Do we need student organizations driven by specific political ideology?

My answer would be NO! We need free student union (FSU) in Nepalese universities but not driven by specific political ideology. The free student union exists in universities of every democratic country throughout the world. The union can play a constructive role to make university a better academic place but in my personal opinion, it is possible only when such student unions are apolitical. I don't mean not to involve in politics of national interest but its role should be limited to well being of student and issues related to improvement of academic environment as much as possible. I personally don't like present role of student organizations in Nepalese universities as an institution to produce political cadres. Definitely, student organizations have played defining role in the movement for democracy and over-throwing century old kingship. However, after establishment of democracy, they are misguided and confused about their role and responsibility in universities. Instead of focusing on quality of education, academic achievement of student and university, and its impact on nation building process, they are acting as a hit man of political parties. Therefore, we are witnessing increased crime in colleges and universities. Gun fire, unnecessary strike, harassment and physical assault of professors and students of differing ideology are becoming part of everyday life in our universities.

Colleges and universities are the place for building ethical and moral character. However, these places are becoming fighting arena for different political parties through their student organizations in our country. This only leads to nowhere. I still remember my second year (I.Sc.) of college life as a teenage student. I was just 17-18 years old and heavily involved in student politics. I must admit that I had no sound understanding of political ideologies at the time. However, I contested election for so called Free Student Union for the post of secretary. In fact, FSU election was much like an election of between political parties. As a result, I almost derailed from my educational goal. I truly believe that this kind of election system for FSU, which is primarily driven by vested interest of political parties, only jeopardize the academic development of students and the universities too. Furthermore, aftermath of election, FSU never work freely and independently. Winner organization, only care about the issue related to their organization and their activities are guided by the interest of their parent party. This is a root cause of violence and the involvement of student organizations more in politics rather than academics in Nepal.

Finally, my argument is that it is the time to change traditional role of student organizations in Nepal. They must do so my detaching them from their parent party and developing a mechanism to work greater good of students, academics, and nation. There should not be unhealthy competition among students’ organizations driven by specific political ideology in colleges and universities. This is the only way to create free and fair learning environment and this is a need of our motherland NEPAL.