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Journalism of Courage
When 15 trees in the University of Mumbai8217;s Fort campus faced the hatchet on Tuesday, the custodians of education amputated a vital canon of learning: practising what their mouldy textbooks reach.
Children are bombarded with the quot;greenquot; message from kindergarten and schools enlist their students for environmental workshops and campaigns.
Only recently, the university itself took the lead, incorporating the civic cleanliness drive into its National Social Service curriculum. Yet, in one fell swoop, the university allowed the state government to prune read hack the branches of 15 trees to make way for its son-et-lumiere show meant to glorify Mumbai8217;s history on the occasion of the state8217;s formation.
But the naked trunks only stand testimony to the university8217;s pliant attitude before politicians and bureaucrats intent on impressing a motley guest list.
The freedom fighters invited to witness the glorious spectacle may have already forgiven this act of vandalism but the fact remains that the showneedn8217;t have been held at this venue at all. The Gateway of India, for one, presents a readymade arena and more importantly, it is devoid of irritating foliage.
Though the university says the branches will grow back in no time, its nonchalance is galling. Somewhere on the sprawling campus stands a small signboard which says plucking of flowers is strictly prohibited. Can its hypocrisy be more revolting? If our educationists can8217;t stand up to the government8217;s whims, can it be blamed for the eroding credibility among its students, who wince at its baffling ways. Union Environment Minister Suresh Prabhu only recently announced his intention to introduce Environment as a subject in the curriculum of both school and college education. But the concerns of planet earth are definitely not on our educationists8217; minds. Their concerns are far more earthly.
