I refer to the front page article in the Light of Truth (Feb, 15-28) containing the results of your interview with Prof. Valson Thampu on the subject of Christian education. As can be expected from an eminent educationist like him, the article is indeed a very timely one. Although in the interview he has dealt with a few issues other than Christian education, I wish to comment only the subject of Christian education, especially the ability of Christian colleges and schools to impart Christian value based education in their institutions.
Although I am not an educationist, my considered view is that our ability to impart Christian value based education is very limited at the present juncture, especially in a state like Kerala. Education has come under so much control by State or university that Christian managements have few options, except to follow the instructions. Teachers and student unions behave as if they are trade unions out there to fight for what are just and unjust causes. Several managements do things which do no justice to the teachings of Jesus Christ. There are only very few honest and upright teachers like Dr Thampu in schools, colleges and universities.
In the past, I have had close association with several Christian colleges throughout India. While I salute those managements, teachers and student leaders who have tried to uphold Christian values, I have had no reason to change my impression. If at all something concrete can be done now, it will depend upon the commitment and training of the teachers in our institutions. A few years ago I used to be Vice Chairman of the Governing Board of a Catholic College for women and I found that teachers, especially those in Arts subjects, could have tremendous impact on the moral caliber of the students. This is not easy but still possible up to a limited extent.
My main point in this letter is to highlight a more important issue. I think it is high time for Christian Churches to begin to reflect upon what really is their mission in the field of education and in what way they can promote Christian values through the field of education at all levels in the modern context of India with all its peculiarities and demographic situations. I expect that there will be a lot of resistance to this thought from many of those who are engaged in the Christian institutions. Church leaders are also unlikely to be enthusiastic about it. But change we must. The sooner we set in motion that process, it will only be for the greater good of the Church and the country.
P.T. Kuriakose
