By P Mohan Chandran
Have you ever wondered why the wise men and women of our educational institutions often walk the tightrope of silence, treading ever so carefully over the bridge of unethical practices? Just as the legendary Kumbhakarna and Vikarna from Indian epics chose loyalty over righteousness, are our modern academicians choosing job security over ethical responsibility? As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The world suffers not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people.”
Picture this: A freshly minted PhD scholar, eager and brimming with ideas, lands a job as an assistant professor at a reputable private university. As part of the university's onboarding process, he's asked to deposit his original certificates. He hesitates, aware of the UGC circular, but finally capitulates, fearing the loss of a coveted job opportunity.
The parallels with Kumbhakarna, who, despite knowing Ravana's actions were wrong, chose loyalty over righteousness, are striking. Is our young academician not treading a similar path? Is he not pledging loyalty to an institution that openly flouts rules, fearing the potential loss of his career?
Our saga of silent complicity continues. Enter the associate professor, a seasoned academician who, like Vikarna, is well-aware of the university's unethical practices but remains silent. He not only keeps his own original certificates with the university but also discourages any fresh recruits from questioning this illegal practice.
Herein lies the humor, or should we say, the irony. These academics, custodians of knowledge, repositories of wisdom, choose silence over voice, compliance over revolt, all for the sanctity of a monthly paycheck. They echo Vikarna's dilemma of choosing loyalty over righteousness, placing fraternity and job security over ethical rectitude.
“Is silence in the face of unethical practices a survival strategy or a surrender to the system?” is a question our professors should ponder upon. The contradiction is stark – they are expected to nurture future generations, yet they themselves exemplify a morally questionable path.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” said Martin Luther King Jr. So, where do our academicians stand in these times? Are they just silent bystanders, perpetuating an unethical system by their inaction, or can they find the courage to challenge and change the status quo?
The question is not of choosing between a paycheck or principles, but rather, finding a way to balance both. It is a call for silent academicians to rise above their 'Kumbhakarna and Vikarna' dilemmas and foster a culture of ethical integrity and transparency in our temples of learning. Will they remain silent and be a party to an unethical system, or will they choose to voice their dissent, fostering a truly ethical educational environment? Only time will tell. As we end, let's ponder upon this – “In times of great moral crisis, silence is betrayal.” Are our academics betraying their callings, or will they rise above their dilemmas?
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
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