Colleges as Fascists

on October 7, 2009

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Kartikey Sehgal

The author writes that, “‘Indian culture’ is a cover-up for religious enforcements. Most colleges that enforce codes to ‘protect’ culture are protecting the religion. If Indian culture was so dear to them, then the study of Indian philosophy would be an important, if not a compulsory part of the curriculum.”

A popular college in South Bombay (Mumbai) had, some years ago, and much to the dismay of the students, banned the prom night. Nobody called it a fascist (oppressive, dictatorial) move. Mind you, the ‘night’ was absolutely banned and it was not to exist in any form or variation. The students were not taken into consensus and the decision was described as cultural. Something on the lines of ‘It is against Indian culture…’. It was either a sad decision or an unfortunate one, but it was not fascist; it was not described as fascist by the society. 

Near to this South Mumbai (Bombay) college is another college of note; it allows shorts and skirts and other such things that are disallowed by the other college. Are we to believe then that this college, that allows the students their choice of attire, is against Indian culture? Or do we conveniently use terms to get through uneasy explanations? Perhaps ‘Indian Culture’ is an excuse to justify restrictions. ‘All that I consider good and moral must be accepted since I use the trump card of ‘Indian Culture’.

Clearly, one of the above colleges is not cultural. One of them believes that shorts are not conducive to education but the other one does not feel so.

Restrictive colleges are not called fascist and there is no movement to fight the restrictions. At the most they are called conservative. The conservative tag does not apply to political parties that stop youngsters from candooling on the beach side. That is called fascism. The party does the same job as the teachers in the college; it stops ‘moral degradation’. But the college is termed as conservative and the party as fascist. It may be argued that the party forces its moral dictums on the youth and at times uses physical violence but then the college doesn’t even give space for dissent. ‘Inappropriate’ clothing is banned outright. You are not allowed to enter the premises if you are dressed ‘loose’’. If you have a problem with the ‘rules and regulations’ then leave the college and find another college. Who, then, is more fascist?

‘Indian culture’ is a cover-up for religious enforcements. Most colleges that enforce codes to ‘protect’ culture are protecting the religion. If Indian culture was so dear to them, then the study of Indian philosophy would be an important, if not a compulsory part of the curriculum. The culture tag is used to hide the religion tag to avoid problems. Once the culture tag is used, no questions are expected to be asked. To differentiate themselves from the political parties and organisations, the educational institutions use the term ‘fascist’. They are fascist, we are not, we may be conservative. But observe that these educational institutions come across as stricter and harsher than the so called rightist and fascist organisations whom they curse.

Hold a girl’s hand and walk in the college premises. And wait for the teacher’s halting orders. Be prepared for rustication orders should you not abide by the law. Any questions on reasoning are ultimately met by the ‘Indian Culture’ response. If you know about your Indian culture then be prepared to hear the merits of non-distracting dressing. The result is singular; listen or be expelled.

(Bear in mind that conservatism may or may not be good for education but this story is not about the righteousness of dressing.)

Now wear a skirt and walk on the road and ensure that the top is sleeveless. The rightist/fascist people will not always (at least in the cities) stop you and ask you to leave the mohalla/ country if you don’t abide by their dressing rule. If they trouble you then you can approach the police/media/passersby and bring an end to your trouble. You can argue with people that the midis and minis can be graceful if the woman can carry them off with grace.

Try arguing in the college. Tell the Principal that you have been brought up well, that you know your body and that you are confident and aware of your womanhood. Tell him that you believe that conservatism should apply to women who are confused and not ready to make decisions or don’t understand the meaning of decisions and who are charmed by factors other than self-will. Tell him that you are aware and confident of dealing with stares from men and women who have been brought up on the wrong dosage of Indian culture and should you encounter cat-calls and whistles or teasing, then you are capable of conversations and tactfulness. Convince him that you are the quintessential Indian woman who loves her saris and ghagra cholis and festivals and who knows the importance of conservative dressing as a means to entice men and who alters between politeness and nakhras to play biologically sanctioned mating games with the opposite gender. Then, if you want, sing a song for the principal; do anything you like.

He won’t budge. He won’t make exceptions or listen to your reasoning because religion demands obedience. Maybe he’ll smile at you and express regret, ‘”Sorry daughter, I wish I could listen to you but the culture does not permit”.

He is sure that you know nothing about Indian philosophy. It is not taught in schools and colleges and parents don’t bother about it. If you do know about it then go ahead and argue with him and let me know about the results. Chances are that he won’t make exceptions for you.

Educational institutions based on religion maintain religion and use ‘culture’ to prevent any problems from the organisations they call rightist/fascist. If they don’t agree with you, then they are conservative, if you don’t agree with them, then you know what you may be.

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