Recently the election commission in its mandate to promote voting for the upcoming UP Vidhan Sabha elections distributed pamphlets in schools asking parents of students to come out and cast their votes. The leaflets, which was in the format of a letter was distributed from class 1 onwards and a note was in the almanac asking the parents to make their wards understand the reason behind the voting system.
Is it a good idea to expose young minds towards the concept of democracy and voting from such an early age? Politicos and academics feel age is no bar for introducing such concepts while parents feel it is way too early.
"Children are curious to learn. They may not completely understand the workings of a democracy or the concept of voting, but they would warm up to the terms at least. It's a good beginning, " said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra. He stressed on the fact that parents shouldn't shy away from explaining these terms to their wards.
It Falls On Deaf Ears, Say Parents
Why teach something to the child when he doesnt fathom the importance of a voting system. I firmly believe there is an age for everything. Going by this logic, even sex education should be taught from grade 1 onwards.
Vipin Mishra, businessman, Noida.
On one hand, we say let's not burden our kids with heavy backpacks, continuous lectures etc and on the other we want them to rattle off difficult concepts like election process and voting! I don't subscribe to this idea.
Swathika Devnath, homemaker, Bengaluru
Academics Say It Is Not That Bad
A child's brain is a blank slate, it has the capacity to process much more information. I don't see anything bad in introducing a child to the world of democracy that we are living in. The same goes for words/ concepts like "Republic", "Freedom", "Martyrdom". He/she may not completely understand the term but they would know these terms at least.
Renuka Diwan Sharma, student counselor, Gurugram
Youth Reporters Say Spare Us The Trouble
There is a lot of academic oriented syllabus that young children have to deal with as it is. And learning about voting will come naturally to them (when they go to higher classes), why force them to learn at such a tender age?
Ashwini Narang, class XI, Vishwa Bharti Public School
Instead of learning ABC, you want them to debate on the pitfalls of democracy. Not good.
Aastha Diwan, class XII, Amity International School
Why are we in such a tearing hurry to teach our kids about voting, democracy, election, political parties? Shouldn't they be enjoying their childhood instead? Won't they lose their innocence early on?
Nidhi Mittal, class VII, APSC, Bengaluru
Nothing should be forced upon students. There is a reason why class X syllabus is different from the class XII syllabus and class 1 syllabus.
Aditya Rao, class IX, Army Public School
Do You Think It's OK To Introduce Concepts Like Voting And Democracy To Young Students In Grade 1? Let's Debate