Student unions can play a positive role if they stay unattached to political parties.
They can nurture leadership qualities in students and teach them the value of transparency, dialogue and consensus in resolving contentious issues in a democracy.
These and other views were discussed at a seminar on the topic, 'Are students losing interest in college governance?', held at Ahmedabad Management Association on July 22.
The seminar, whose participants included students, was organised by the Research Foundation for Governance in India (RFGI) along with Liberal Youth Federation (LYF), New Delhi.
RFGI founder, Kanan Dhru, said that today's youth had the necessary energy and the attitude to be the leaders of tomorrow.
“But many lack the leadership qualities that are needed to fight wrong management practices.
This needs to change. Teaching youths how to stand up for their rights is the main objective of the seminar,” Dhru said.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of transparency, responsibility and accountability in a democratic society.
Students were encouraged to identify some current issues and suggest how they could be effectively resolved through open discussion, dialogue and campaigns.
Programme coordinator, LYF, Rajan K Singh, spoke on the journey of students from 'Campus to Parliament'.
“Colleges and universities should encourage voting, elections and leadership activities on the campus. Students should be encouraged to build a friendly and accountable student's union which works for the benefit of the students,” Singh said.
He added that student unions or councils should be non-political in nature if they are to play a constructive role.
“This will encourage students to have faith in their leaders and approach them with their problems,” Singh said.
He further said that with growing corruption in the education system, it was important that student unions function with transparency and accountability.
“This will ensure a student-friendly atmosphere on the campus and also build good leaders for India of the future,” Singh said.
