The Importance of Civic Education in Eelam
Ruben Nagesparan Chandrakumar, BS
Civics, the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens, is a foundational pillar of any free and enduring state. Without civics, the essence of the relationship that citizens have with one another and with the state diminishes into a dim flame, leading to the inevitable outcomes of either totalitarianism or anarchy. Without civic education, the people whom the state is formed to protect and serve are left susceptible to lawlessness, a disregard for authority, and a lack of responsibility. The purpose of civic education is not merely to prevent the degradation of society and its tendency to stray from its ideals; it is also to instill a sense of historical grounding and an overwhelming sense of meaning.
In the country of Eelam, civic education has not been emphasized nearly as strongly as other subjects, namely STEM. While the general populace has been active in the political movement from the satyagraha era through the armed conflict, the direction and practices implemented have been suboptimal. The historical and political education that informs citizens of their duty to vote, to become competent citizens, and to remain vigilant against the eternal threat of tyranny has been neglected, to the great detriment of the nation.
The institutions responsible for educating citizens on the importance of civics have unfortunately failed in their duty. Knowledge of the different branches of government, checks and balances, constitutional rights and amendments, the significance of voting, and other key components of the political process is not widespread. While the depth of one’s political and legal knowledge will inevitably vary depending on various factors, the fundamentals must be disseminated through the education system. In Eelam, the violations of human and civil rights characteristic of life under the Government of Sri Lanka can be combatted through this education. One of the most concerning aspects is that citizens are unaware of the political and legal mechanisms that exist to protect them and prosecute those who violate their rights. Among the diaspora, the lack of trustworthy and consistent institutions has created an unacceptable ignorance regarding the political processes and history of the homeland. The diaspora should have a similar foundational education in the workings of the system, allowing them to understand and aid in maintaining the functional aspects while dissenting against impropriety. By addressing these gaps through policy changes, the creation and reformation of institutions, engaging the diaspora, and a cultural shift, the nation of Eelam is best suited to protect its values through a well-informed citizenry.