Caste related issues are still plaguing the country, not sparing even the schools and colleges. It is indeed disheartening to hear about caste dominance or the caste card being played out in centres of learning. Hence, when an IAS officer, who is currently the Collector of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, Mr. K P Karthikeyan, is noticed trying to change the undesired scenario and make the learning temples equal for all, he has received much kudos.

In a unique step to promote harmony and fight casteism, the 2014-batch officer has started ‘Anbaadum Mundril’. Under this initiative, the district administration selects five schools and conducts a comprehensive study on the caste situation. Then they devise a plan consisting of a range of steps to promote love and harmony among the students within the institution premises. They also counsel the teachers and the guardians along with the children.

Indian Masterminds interacted with Collector K P Karthikeyan to know more about his praiseworthy initiative.

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ANBAADUM MUNDRIL

The initiative was flagged off just a few days back. It is in the pilot stage right now. If the pilot project achieves success as per expectations, then the administration will continue this programme for the next five years to create a significant impact.

Tirunelveli district has nearly 1200 government and government aided schools. Out of this, the district administration has selected 150 schools for this programme in the first phase. But, for the pilot project which will go on till the completion of this academic year, they have selected 46 schools.

Under this programme, there will be mainly three stakeholders – students, parents and teachers.
The administration will do a scientific assessment on the issues regarding casteism. Then, they will try to transform the children’s attitude psychologically while improving their skills. For this, they have roped in psychologists and counsellors from a voluntary organisation besides sourcing support from the education, revenue, police, local administration, sports and skill development departments.

Mr. Karthikeyan said, “We received many complaints regarding the growing issue of castiesm in the district. There were also clashes in some of the cases. Even ‘caste costumes’ are becoming more noticeable on school grounds. So, we decided to do something about it and created a programme. This will surely encourage love and foster brotherhood among students.”

The psychological initiative was launched recently by the state’s Minister for Sports, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, during his visit to the district. Its aim is to promote empathy among all school children.

IMPLEMENTATION

The administration held many rounds of stakeholders consultation meeting, where they identified almost 40 issues that are creating difficulties for them and for the people. They are now addressing those issues and trying to create a positive and friendly atmosphere for the children both inside and outside schools. Apart from this, the teachers will be screened and molded by the counsellors.

The initiative will also focus on safeguarding the children from liquor and drug abuse by explaining to them with true life examples. Also, after identifying their skills, the children will be guided properly towards strengthening their skills in their area of interest; improving their concentration; and career options and self-employment, and so on.

Another problem is the existence of many caste outfits in the district. So, to ensure that the children are insulated from these outfits, measures are being taken with help from the police to remove paintings with with caste overtones from public places.

Also, is is being made clear that any person or organization who is found misguiding children in the name of caste or religion will be treated as culprit and dealt with appropriately.

Mr. Karthikyan said, “We will evaluate the progress of our initiative at the end of this academic year. Then, we will expand this programme. The objective is to create a new society by ensuring love and brotherhood in the school premises. We are also trying to change the narrative as well.”

SUCCESS

He further said that so far, the response has been encouraging. As the administration has been trying to break the caste barrier not just in the school level, but is also involving everyone at the grassroot level, people are understanding it better.

Along with fighting the caste evil, the district administration is also focussing on imparting career guidance to the students. Because all schools, villages, panchayats, different departments of the government are on board fighting a common enemy, the project Anbaadum Mundril is moving on the right track to success.