Why is Only the Academic Community Protest Against NRC CAA and CAB, While Business and Service Class Stay Silent?
The recent protests against the NRC (Citizenship Amendment Act) and CAB (Citizenship Act, 2020) in India primarily involve university and college students, with a significant lack of participation from business and service class members. Contrary to the perception that only educated individuals would be involved in such demonstrations, this article explores why this particular demographic has taken the lead, while others remain silent.
Perception vs. Reality
It is a common misconception that education equips individuals with common sense and a mature perspective. However, recent events suggest that academic institutions often serve as breeding grounds for politically motivated activities. The current wave of protests can be attributed to political manipulation and strategic maneuvers by leaders, particularly around the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) incident. JNU, once a symbol of academic freedom, now frequently witnesses large-scale protests dominated by groups aligned with certain political parties.
The Role of Political Parties
Political parties such as the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), Indian Congress, and others have been instrumental in fueling these protests for political gains. In universities across the country, student unions are often controlled by these parties, leading to a one-sided narrative driven by selective agendas. The ease with which these parties can instigate young people has been highlighted by commentators, with groups like the AAP and Congress being particularly vocal.
The choice of protest strategy is not random. Student unions in these parties are likely to coordinate their efforts, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated response. This has resulted in a pattern of protests that seem choreographed, rather than genuine expressions of concern from the broader community.
Pitfalls of the Young and Gullible
College students, driven by overabundance of energy and a lack of life experience, can be easily misled into violence and extremism. They are often easy targets for politically motivated groups that can use them as tools for their agendas. These protesters may themselves have vested interests, such as the desire for free education or other benefits provided to them by activist groups.
The infiltrators often present themselves as students or part of a legitimate student union, thereby misleading the impressionable youth into believing their cause. The current government, by curbing corruption, has effectively tarnished the image of these political entities, forcing them to seek alternative strategies to sustain their influence and power.
Voices of Concern
While few have joined the protests, it is not to say that they are against the values of unity, diversity, and national integrity. Many right-thinking individuals and people who uphold the “Unity in Diversity” slogan continue to express their concerns in other ways. They may be busy with their professions or simply believe that the situation will sort itself out.
It is also important to recognize that there are supporters of the NRC and CAA as well. These individuals, often representing traditional values and the vision of Hindu Rashtra, do not believe in religious-based governance but are seeking a more inclusive form of nationalism.
The nature of such protests is complex, with both supporters and opponents contributing to the discourse. While the academic community continues to protest, those who stay silent may not necessarily agree with the NRC and CAA but are instead focused on other pressing issues or believe that peaceful dialogue will eventually resolve the concerns.
Conclusion
The current wave of protests in India, centered around the NRC and CAA, largely involves the academic community. This is not to say that only college and university students should protest; rather, it highlights the complex dynamics at play. The protest movement, while visible, may not represent the broader national sentiment. It is crucial for all sections of society to participate in the discourse, ensuring that the true spirit of India's diversity and unity remains intact.