Yes

Find an alternative

If there is any chaos in an educational institution, students should first wait for the authorities to respond to the problem. Before protesting, they should look for an alternative way to deal with it.

Tiyasa Mishra, 
Third Year, Midnapore 
College

Keep an open mind

Today, students are seen organising protests and strikes to oppose any law or move, the moment it is implemented — without even waiting to know its pros and cons. It is high time they realised that our nation will only progress if they open their minds and stop judging every law.

Satabdi Patar, 
Maharishi Vidya Mandir Public School-2, Guwahati, Assam 

Focus on career

Students should be focussed on their career and must not deviate from their goals for petty issues. This can damage their aspirations and their future. While protesting might prove to be an excuse to not study for some students, it might also cause disturbance to the more serious and focused ones.

Angelina Banerjee, 
Class XI, Sudhir Memorial Institute, Madhyamgram

No

Constructive criticism

Students have the right to speak out, ask for the fulfillment of their demands or oppose any action that hinders their progress — but in a constructive manner. Since students are the foundation of the new society, they  should be active in all the decision-making processes. After all, they are the ones who will have to live with its effect.

Farheen Ali, 
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Latehar, Jharkhand

Constitutional right

Students do not leave behind their constitutional rights at the school or college gate. They have the right to speak out, distribute flyers and petitions, and wear clothing that expresses a viewpoint — as long as they don’t disrupt the functioning of the institution or violate its policies.

Md Israr, 
Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose College, Calcutta

Conscience keepers

Students can and should protest at the drop of a hat. They are the conscience-keepers of society and if they do not protest against its inequalities, who will? They are the ones with the motivation and determination to stand up for what they believe is right.

Waqqas Hasan, 
Vikash The Concept School, Sambalpur, Odisha

Next issue: Home schooling is better than conventional schooling

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