As India-China relations continue to make headlines, the debate over using China-made goods is once again hotting up. Messages are being sent out through apps hoping to create awareness and evoke a sense of patriotism among people. Some principals have asked students to boycott China-made goods to express patriotism and promote India-made goods.
Is this the right way to express a point? Principals speak up
Principals react
It would be unethical to involve students in international politics. There is already so much unrest and hatred growing in the world and if we, as school leaders, start diverting these young minds in the unpredictable world of politics, it will only make them grow as intensely critical , cold, aloof and doubt ridden citizens.
Mukul Jha, GD Salwan Public School, Delhi
Instead of forcing children, we believe in making them understand the gravity of the situation. Educational institutions need to actively involve students by organising debate competitions to encourage them to think.
Chandrakanta Pathak, HVB Global Academy, Mumbai
We shouldn’t take any decision in haste. We may have differences with a country, but unless we have solid reasons, one must not involve students in political face-offs.
Rajesh Pillai, NPS, Chikkabanavara, Bengaluru
Kids should be kept away from issues that have national consequence as they are too young and can’t weigh implications of such face-offs in politics. Alternatively, it will only affect their emotions which at this stage will remain etched forever.
Rajendra Mishra, Indo Public school, Amravati, Nagpur
Though I am a firm believer of the swadeshi movement, in this globalised and tech-savvy world students are smart enough to understand the effectiveness of different products. So it’s important to explain to them the context and make them aware about the need to boycott Chinese goods.
Vandana Nathan, principal, Care School, Ahmedabad
Why it’s not easy to boycott Chinese goods
- China is India’s largest trade partner but the balance is tilted heavily in favour of the dragon.
- From mobile phones to telecom equipment, high value-added Chinese products have pushed up India’s trade deficit with China. India imports $21.9 billion worth electrical items, $11.1bn machinery and parts, among other goods.
- China’s exports to India account for only 2 per cent of its total exports. So even if Indians boycott all the goods imported form China, it will not make as big an impact on China as to bring it to its knees before India.
- Of course, China needs new markets for its manufactured goods, and India is one of them. But China can find markets in other Asian countries and even in Africa.
Then is the idea of boycott, a total failure?
- Well, though the boycott can have very little direct impact. It can harm China in the long run
- China is emerging as a global power and it is trying to portray itself as a responsible economy. Any negative propaganda against China or any escalation in India-China conflict will harm China’s bid to portray itself as a progressive nation, not an authoritarian dictatorship
- As Uttara Sahasrabuddhe, professor of international politics at University of Mumbai sums up, China is being aggressive but coming down on trade this is impractical. As a result of globalisation, Chinese-made products are widely available the world over. But, students must definitely be made aware of the situation. This could be done by using available audio-visuals and gadgets. Students must be given reasonable information
Q: What do you think? Is it possible for us to stop using China-made goods in the light of current events?