Protecting Classrooms

#Protecting #classrooms

The Tamil Nadu government’s strict decision to ban political activities, external cadres, and ideological campaigns from school campuses is a highly commendable. It is a necessary step toward safeguarding the future of our children.

Classrooms must remain sacred spaces dedicated exclusively to learning, critical thinking, and character building. Allowing outside politicians or party workers to enter schools shifts the focus away from academic excellence and misuses educational institutions as breeding grounds for vote-bank mobilization. 

By closing the gates to external political interference and ensuring that only elected representatives on official duty can enter, the government has rightly prioritized a neutral, safe, and disciplined environment where young minds can grow without being manipulated by partisan agendas.  

​When active politics creeps into schools, the harmful effects on students under 18 are severe and long-lasting. Exposure to toxic political rivalries at such a vulnerable age often replaces healthy peer relationships with intense division, hostility, and even violence. Instead of focusing on their studies and personal growth, young students get distracted by polarizing debates, external propaganda, and protests that disrupt the daily academic calendar.

Forcing minors into the messy world of adult politics robs them of their childhood peace and creates deep emotional and social cracks within the student community. This progressive ban should serve as a national model and be urgently implemented in Kerala and all other states to protect our schools as true temples of learning.

K A Solaman