A reader-focused appeal has sparked discussion on what school students need to excel in education, pointing to policy moves in other states. The article notes Odisha’s announcement of free education in government institutions from school to college, and says states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are giving greater importance to spiritual lessons.
In contrast, it argues that Tamil Nadu’s curriculum has become largely western-oriented and does not sufficiently protect or pass on local culture and values. It recalls that around 70 years ago, schools conducted “moral instruction” classes two or three times a week, but these were later dropped as other subjects gained priority.
The piece claims that the decline of such value-based teaching has weakened respect for teachers and parents, while schools have become more “mechanical” and focused on earning money. It says students are not being taught civic and ethical conduct—such as following road rules, respecting women, avoiding harassment of neighbours, living by honest work, and staying away from bribery and corruption.
It calls on a new government to bring back moral instruction and teach positive principles found across religions, citing the “Balavikas” schools run by the Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Trust as an example. It also suggests making sports compulsory to prevent students from drifting toward anti-social activities, and introducing yoga classes to help build self-control.
The article further alleges that, under previous Dravidian party governments, private schools had to pay large bribes to renew licences, pushing institutions to operate like businesses to recover costs. It urges the current TVK government to put an end to this, and invites readers to share their views in the comments section.
