Freedom from criminality

When class 10 student, Shahabas, was brutally killed after students clashed in groups in Thamarassery, Kozhikode district, the state’s entire political, social and cultural edifices have been shaken with concern about what direction our students and youths are heading for. The concern expressed by the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition during the discussion on the urgent resolution on the subject in the Assembly, mooted by former Leader of the Opposition, reflects the collective feelings of the people. It painfully dawn on us that the incident in Thamarassery is not one-off and that massacres, suicides and cruel deeds Kerala witnessed days before this and over the past few days are turning God’s own country into devil’s own country. 'We have a unique culture, and living conditions. Nothing that is not in keeping with it should happen here’. No self-conscious person would disagree with what Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed out in his rejoinder. He also said that modern capitalism, the new market system stemming from it, and its highly competitive life are deeply disturbing our younger generation. The opposition leader, pointing to drug addiction dangerously affecting the new generation and the increase in crimes, said that that the spread of drugs is increasing in Kerala like never before and that anyone can get any kind of drug within 15 minutes. Police records show that of the 63 murders that took place in the state in the last two months, 30 are drug-related. This situation leads to the thinking that the excessive importance given to sex and violence in movies and serials alongside the unbridled spread of social media are causing serious injuries to family life, the discipline of the student community, and the creative enthusiasm of the youth. However, experience tells us that the discussions and opinions about the symptoms and immediate consequences, as well as the measures that the government is planning with the support of the opposition to combat unhealthy trends, will end up as a passing noise and the possibility of social life continuing as before cannot be completely ruled out.The deviation of youth is not a phenomenon happening only in one or two areas of life. It is natural for the communist Pinarayi Vijayan to view modern capitalism and the market system stemming from it are responsible for such a situation. Certainly, globalization and resulting market economy encompassing the world has turned human into pursuer of money making human values worthless and meaningless. Given the idea that winners in life are the ones who win in the scramble for wealth and comforts, what value do cultural and moral values have in the eyes of someone who believes that he has no obligation to his parents, siblings, neighbors, or society? in his pursuit of comfort, he will fear nothing but the government laws or the courts to remove or eliminate anyone he deems is an obstacle ! Money itself is the only way to remove the obstacles. The Chief Minister has mentioned in his speech the old concept of education as a means for the betterment of the individual. But that too is a completely outmoded Vedanta.

The goals of education that governments, education experts, curricula, teachers, and parents presenting to the students are the highest possible job, the best possible salary, and the most modern living environs. Naturally in their pursuit of goals the younger generation do not think about obligations to their parents, soulful friendship with classmates and obligation to society and the country. Even if children are naturally good-natured and loving, atheistic and amoral forces are spreading their net to deter them from it. The bitter truth is neither the government nor the law enforcers are ready to deter or stem them. The enemies of humanity are winning in creating a perspective that there are no greater reactionaries and fundamentalists than those who advise good sense.

Given this veritable situation, considering the old saying that light a candle without blaming the darkness, there is no point in not cooperating with the police and excise in taking steps to separate the synthetic drug from the intoxicant empire that the government itself is building by all means and at least reduce its spread. Although filmmakers and the censor board will not be heedful to the call for removing violence from films, parents and social workers can save children from its influence. Teachers, parents' committees and law enforcement officers can make school environment free of violence. Police can reduce the use of water cannons if student organizations realize that their mission is not to make juvenile delinquents flag holders but guide them to the right path. Pray for all Keralites to have the wisdom to reclaim the state's grand cultural heritage.