Word for word

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday did well to make a strong appeal for “reasoned discussion and debate, rather than propagating a culture of unrest”. It was about time someone of authority stepped in, for the much vaunted democratic, and Indian, tradition of debate was being driven to a frenzied clamour — even breaking into violence, now and then. The President’s appeal was particularly timely in reference to campuses, which have in the past few weeks started resembling battle zones more than sites of informed, even if edgy, debates. JNU can pride itself in its long tradition of questioning every form of received wisdom, and now even has the “Visitor’s Award” for best university in the country. But its larger mass of students may take note that not only the extreme Right but also the Left has taken certain positions that serve more to agitate than inquire.

While President Mukherjee has done his duty, a word from Prime Minister Modi could deliver a far greater calming effect, especially on those who use his name to push the envelope. Unfortunately for him, and as much for the country, he has been caught up in the exigencies of a make-or-break election in UP, which has made him in some ways fuel the agitation. Political parties may believe in fighting fire with fire, but in today’s information age, there is no such thing as a controlled fire. Any trouble caused is liable to spread beyond the time and area intended, for every individual is empowered by technology to have his say in public.

India can be proud of its student politics. Even if it has touched lows earlier, it has also been the nursery for top leadership. But those practising it must not forget that they belong to the campus primarily as a scholar. There will be quick tempers, but muscle must never be the means to settle an argument. Gurmehar Kaur, with her striking stoicism in the face of crass ridicule and physical threats, proved what the power of idea can be. The ABVP too may want to prove it can do better in matters of debate and dialectics.