Dr. M. Iqbal Siddiqui’s article “When Classrooms Stop Asking Questions” (Radiance, 13 June 2026) is a highly relevant, profound, and thought-provoking critique of the contemporary Indian education system and its democratic fabric. The writer has eloquently highlighted that removing political cartoons from textbooks or selectively altering historical narratives is not a mere academic adjustment; rather, it is a direct indication of the kind of future that our society and state seek to construct. This article is a serious call to safeguard the very soul of Indian democracy and intellectual freedom. It compels every conscientious citizen to reflect deeply on the direction in which our nation is heading.
The greatest strength of this article lies in the fact that it brings to the centre of public discourse an issue that is often dismissed as insignificant. From a pedagogical perspective, children connect far more deeply with visual representations, satire, and cartoons than with dry textual material, and they often grasp complex ideas more effectively through such mediums. You have rightly appreciated the progressive vision of the NCF 2005, which sought to move school education beyond rote learning. By referring to the famous historical cartoon featuring Nehru and Ambedkar, you clearly demonstrate that the purpose of such cartoons was never to insult great leaders; rather, they aimed to reflect the political realities of the time, the immense public expectations, and the shortcomings of the system. Your portrayal of satire and cartoons as an essential “safety valve” of democracy reflects a deep understanding of political and social dynamics.
You have accurately captured one of the greatest challenges of our time through the phrase ‘carefully managed conformity’. Your concern is entirely justified: if our classrooms cease to encourage questioning, they will gradually extinguish the consciousness, creativity, and critical faculties of future citizens. The notion of a “sanitized education” that you discuss poses a serious threat to democratic values. A vibrant democracy is one that grants its younger generations the freedom to ask uncomfortable questions, understand the contradictions of history, and cultivate critical thinking. The true purpose of education is not merely to impart information that conforms to the expectations of authority or society, but to nurture the ability to think independently. This argument emerges as the most compelling and intellectually stimulating aspect of your article.
Equally significant is the article’s most courageous and commendable section, where you directly challenge the politicisation of history and the phenomenon of “selective memory.” Your statement, “Nations are shaped as much by what they choose to forget as by what they choose to remember,” is powerful enough to leave any reader deeply unsettled and reflective. By referring to the recently introduced textbook note on “some dark periods of history,” you logically demonstrate the dangers of viewing history solely through the lens of heroes and villains or religious identities. Omitting or downplaying realities such as the Gujarat riots, caste-based violence, and institutional failures from educational curricula risks pushing future generations toward a narrow, one-dimensional understanding of society and history. By warning against the dangers of identity politics, you have fulfilled the responsibility of a vigilant and conscientious intellectual with remarkable integrity.
Therefore, your article serves as an essential wake-up call for educators, policymakers, and ordinary citizens alike. It powerfully reminds us that the true foundations of democracy are laid not first in parliaments or courtrooms, but within the four walls of a classroom, where a child gathers the courage to ask questions for the first time. At a time when dissent is increasingly viewed with suspicion, your intellectually rich and principled article stands as a strong defence of freedom of thought and constitutional values. For this insightful, balanced, and eye-opening analysis, you undoubtedly deserve congratulations.
– S. Kausar Laeeque, Delhi