You would have all come across Matrimonial ads, in which “Convent educated” is mentioned as a matter of accomplishment for both bride and groom. However, I am not here to comment on the match-making process but talk about the subject of Convent Education.
Convent schools, all over India, have played a key role in making quality education available to many children at an affordable cost. These institutions have been a boon for those parents, who are reluctant to send their wards to understaffed and ill-equipped government schools and at the same time, they cannot afford most high-end schools, which cater to the needs of the rich. Convent schools bridge this gap admirably and help children fulfill their dreams.
You would have seen some recent incidents, where the Right-wing has now turned their attention towards Convent schools with charges of conversion. The recent incident in Vidisha is the latest example of this disturbing trend. The school premise was vandalized and as anticipated no action has been taken against the perpetrators.
My formative schooling years have been in St. Joseph Convent School, Faridabad and I studied here until 10th grade. The education and knowledge, which I acquired here have enabled me to pursue and achieve my dreams.
In school, I had friends from all walks of life and all faiths. We celebrated all festive holidays together, with equal fervor and glee, and also had an occasional opportunity to visit the peaceful environs of the school Chapel. In the process, there was never even a discussion or a passing thought of religion at the back of our minds. It was simply knowing about all festivals as means to celebrate life and in the process, this perhaps made me a better and inquisitive Hindu!!
My suggestion to all parents and children, who are reading this, is to please think logically and factually. The best bet for politicians is to have a populace with no knowledge of what is wrong and right. This will ensure a steady supply of fanatic followers and votes, with propaganda alone. The absence of good schools automatically achieves this objective.
Do not forget, that wards of Politicians (of all political parties) get the best schooling in India and abroad. Only your child will suffer due to a lack of good schooling. People who constitute this mob, which is going around and damaging schools, too come from amongst us. Please dissuade them from doing this.
I remember that each day in school used to start with the below prayer:
Oh My God, I do all, For the love of thee, give me the Grace, to do it well. Amen
(I do not remember the end of the daily prayer and perhaps my friends from those years can help to recollect that)
Is reciting the above morning prayer a threat of conversion as is the case being made out now? Is a visit to the Chapel an inducement to convert? Should this divisive ideology be not rejected strongly? And lastly, will the “convent-educated” tag become a reason for being anti-national in New India?
Just thinking !!