STUDENTS AND POLITICS

STUDENTS AND POLITICS

Whether or not students should take part in politics is a controversial matter. While some regard it to be permissible, even desirable, others think it to be very harmful. Let is study the case in some of its details.

Those who favour the proposition argue that students are an important part of a country’s intelligentsia. They are educated, sensible people, fully knowing what is good or bad for their country. They have vigour, energy and patriotic zeal that can be of great service to a nation. Their services for the establishment of Pakistan, for example, are unforgettable. It is also said that since it is they who will be controlling the state-affairs tomorrow, we should let them have a practical experience of it today. Lastly, it is held that taking part in politics will make them mature and more responsible.

Arguments on the other side seem to be equally strong. If is maintained that students are young and, therefore, emotional and highly inflammable. They are, thus, incapable of cool analysis and unbiased thinking. Moreover, they are immature. They are also easily exploitable and can be misguided by selfish politicians. It is claimed that the recent world-wide student agitation, which started in France and continued in Italy, America, Japan, India and Pakistan was caused by politicians who succeeded in making students their tool. Above all, however, the duty of students is to concentrate on their studies, the neglect of which will be harmful to them.

How do the students themselves think on the subject? They, too, are divided into two groups, supporting either of the two opposite views.

A disinterested approach towards the subject makes one feel that there is some truth in both the views. College students are certainly more educated than 80% of the population, but they are also emotional by nature. While they may not be allowed to indulge in politics at the cost of their studies, it is unreasonable to cut them absolutely off from the country’s political developments.

Students are rightly expected to spend most of their time in study during this period, their chief aim should be to get knowledge and prepare themselves for the practical life. They should acquire as much knowledge as they can. They should aware of the events happening all around them. Active participation in political activities is not to be recommended at this stage. However, in a national emergency as during the Pakistan movement they may be permitted to enter the political field, because then the nation needs them.

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