Education Must Not Be a Privilege for a Few: Rahul Gandhi’s Vision for Inclusive Learning
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has recently emphasized the vital importance of making education accessible to all children in India, underscoring that education should never become the privilege of a select few. Speaking during an interaction with students at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and the University of Chile, Gandhi articulated a strong vision for an education system that embraces diversity, fosters curiosity, and defends the freedom to think independently and critically.
Education as the Foundation of Freedom
Rahul Gandhi stressed that education must begin with curiosity and the freedom to ask questions openly, without fear or social constraints. He pointed out that this freedom is the very foundation of true liberty in a democratic society. According to him, denying children access to quality education shackles their freedom and limits societal progress.
He remarked, “Education must not become a privilege for a few because it is the very foundation of freedom.” This statement highlights the urgency of reforming the Indian education system to be more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the country’s rich social and cultural diversity.
Addressing Inequality in Education
The Congress leader criticized the current Indian education system as being largely tailored to the upper castes, neglecting the histories, traditions, and contributions of middle and lower castes as well as tribal communities. He advocated for an education framework that includes the thought systems and perspectives of these underserved communities in the curriculum to foster a greater sense of inclusion and representation.
Furthermore, Gandhi expressed concern about the diminishing emphasis on scientific thinking and logical reasoning within the Indian education system over the past decade. He warned that the “idea of free thinking... being open, scientific, logical” is currently under threat and that defending this intellectual openness is imperative for the nation.
Role of Government and Privatization
A critical observation made by Rahul Gandhi was about the government’s retreat from the education sector, which has resulted in increasing privatization and limited access to affordable quality education. While acknowledging the space for private educational institutions, he asserted that the government must actively invest more in education to ensure it remains accessible and affordable to all strata of society.
He articulated that the government should “ensure high-quality, low-cost education for all” and not abdicate its responsibility by allowing private players to dominate unchecked.
Linking Education with Broader National Development
Besides education, Gandhi called for India to build an “alternative manufacturing system” that thrives within a democratic setup. He suggested that international partnerships, particularly with countries like Peru and the United States, could stimulate this transformation and help India carve its own path in the multipolar world.
Context of the Statements
Rahul Gandhi made these remarks during his 10-day tour of South America, which included visits to Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile. His interactions with students and academics focused on education, democracy, and geopolitics. Gandhi’s conversations aimed to highlight the importance of education as a foundation of democracy and freedom and to advocate for reforms that make education accessible to every child regardless of their socio-economic background.
Political Reactions
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned the purpose of Gandhi’s South America visit and critiqued the secrecy surrounding his engagements there. Despite political controversies, Gandhi’s statements have drawn attention to critical issues in Indian education and the pressing need for reform that prioritizes inclusivity and scientific temper
This vision by Rahul Gandhi brings to the fore fundamental questions about equity in education and the role of the state in ensuring that every child in India can enjoy the freedom to learn, question, and develop as a free thinker—essentials for a thriving democracy and progressive society