The mass migration of students from the State, in recent years, in the name of pursuing further studies has reached alarming proportions. Parents do not hesitate to think twice before loosening their purse-strings so that their wards can get quality education outside the State, no matter if the schools/colleges are reputed or not.

On the other hands, unfamiliar institutes have started scouring the State through ads and on-spot admissions luring the parents and students alike. No doubt, it has caused great concern to the policy-makers, parents and conscientious citizens over two main issues.

First, students who went to pursue their studies outside and are dead serious about their books are very few. Secondly, it an economic drain on the State’s exchequer with crores of rupees being pumped outside the State for accommodation, fees and sundry items for which the students are expected to fork out every month.

The reasons for the mass migration of students from the State are not far to seek. The fluid law and order situation in the State, abrupt disturbances to academic atmosphere and politicization of education are the main problems which have sent our students scurrying here and there outside the State.

The parents, on the other hand, concerned about the future of the child, have no option but to send them outside the State for uninterrupted studies. It is another issue that some of the students indulge in wild parties, go for live-in-relationship and what not.

If we look from the law and order point of view, then we may safely add that education in the State will go to the dogs if the situation continues in this way. Bandhs, strikes etc are so common that we cannot follow the academic calendar as it should be.

Even if there is no bandh, there are protests rally and wakat meepham where students as young as kindergartens are made to sit our in the hot sun by the organization concerned. Even student organizations, who espouse quality education, have used their own student community to take part in rallies and sit-in-protests.

Sometimes, one is almost tempted to question whether slogans like quality education are just lip-service and a screen behind where these organizations can flex their muscles.

In light of the above few facts, the two day seminar cum discussion organized by Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) at J.N Dance Academy recently needs further introspection. The resource persons who spoke on the occasion threw certain light on the issue of migration of students. Some facts were open-secret and some very academic. Nevertheless, it was an eye opener for many of the participants and those who watched the whole proceedings live on ISTV channel.

Maybe it is high time, that education should be declared a free zone. No one should be allowed to meddle in the affairs of the academic atmosphere of a school/college/institution. Organizations calling bandhs or strikes should not be allowed to disturb the academic atmosphere of the State.

As done with essential services like media, medical, water supply or security personnel, schools/colleges/institutions should be kept outside the purview of strikes or bandhs by the organizations concerned no matter how highly sensitive the issue may be.

In other words, education is as essential as any other services because it is the root of a civilized society. It is education that gives birth to thousands of leaders and statesman.

It is in this context that no organization should be allowed to force or coerce the school authorities to send their students for rallies/sit-in-protest and disrupt the smooth going of the academic atmosphere.

It is said that even in war, schools and institutions must be allowed to run freely because the pillars of a nation are built in class rooms. This should be kept in the mind of the people who claim to be working for the land and the future of the society.

If we are really concerned about the quality of education and the future of our motherland, then let us make all efforts to allow the pillars of our motherland to study and learn without fear or disturbance to their young minds. Only then, we will be able to harness the potentials of the young minds right here in their own land under the watchful eyes of their parents.

Let us declare education and free zone. Let us stop shouting about quality education from roof-tops. If we really care for it, let us start pulling up our socks and act.

Besides pulling up the Government for any lapses on their part that could be a stumbling block to quality education, let us also learn to ensure that the academic atmosphere of the State is not vitiated by any powers-that-be. If any individual/organizations attempt at disturbing the academic atmosphere, then let us not hesitate to fight against them, however powerful they may be.

Because the future of our students is at stake. Because the future of our land is at stake if we continue to discourage our young minds to pursue their education. Let us liberate education.

Then only, we can be sure that our young people will be able to read and learn peacefully under the Manipuri sun.

Liberated education is the need of the hour. Period.