What should matter more to India’s future: Religious identity or education, critical thinking and basic civic needs? A 12-year-old schoolgirl raises a surprisingly simple question: Why does her school still lack proper road connectivity? Her question opens up a much bigger conversation about education, infrastructure, critical thinking, scientific temper and the priorities we choose as a society. There is growing tension between religion, education and civic responsibility in India, what kind of future we are creating for the next generation. From schools and roads to religious polarisation, political culture and the decline of critical thinking, the question is not whether religion has a place in society.The question is whether religion should come at the cost of education, reasoning, analytical ability and basic development. If we want a better India, perhaps the first step is teaching our children to ask questions and seek accountability. India should prioritise education, infrastructure and scientific temper over religion and identity if we are to take our rightful place in the comity of nations. It does seem though that we have missed the bus.
VINAY DWIVEDI, Benaulim
