All India Students' Conference against National Education Policy begins

The 10th All-India Students’ Conference, organised by the All-India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), began at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium here on Wednesday. The three-day event, focused on opposing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, centred on the theme ‘Save Education, Culture and Humanity.’

The open session was dedicated to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. It began with the hoisting of the AIDSO flag, followed by the inauguration of three exhibitions. The quotation exhibition was opened by economist Prof Arun Kumar, the art exhibition by Prof Nandita Narain, former president of DUTA and FEDCUTA, and the photo exhibition by Prof Sachidanand Sinha, a retired JNU professor and president of the Institute of Indian Geographers.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Prof Chaman Lal, adviser to the Bhagat Singh Archives and Resource Centre, criticised NEP 2020, saying, “The policy has further accelerated the privatisation and commercialisation of education. It has destroyed the man-making character-building aspect of education, along with the cultural legacy of India’s freedom struggle.”

Arun Kumar Singh, former president of AIDSO, highlighted the importance of student movements. “The overwhelming response to this conference shows the public’s frustration with the deteriorating education system and the government’s indifference to public-funded education,” he said.

Messages from prominent historians added weight to the session. A video message from Prof Irfan Habib underscored the importance of public education, while a written message from Prof Romila Thapar, Professor Emerita, JNU, was read out. The session was presided over by Sourav Ghosh, AIDSO’s general secretary.

The day also saw participation from various Left and democratic student organisations, including AISA, AISF, AISB and PSU. Representatives spoke about the need for collective action to protect public education.

In the evening, a cultural session showcased diverse performances from across India. Poet and former CSIR chief scientist Dr Gauhar Raza inaugurated the session, calling for unity against educational policies that he described as exclusionary.

The first day concluded with a strong appeal for a mass movement to save public education. “We urge students and citizens to unite and raise their voices to protect public education,” Ghosh said.