Outrage

A lot of attention is being given to the unfortunate case of Rouvanjit Rawla, and deservedly so. It has brought an important issue into focus resulting in the CNI (Church of North India) stepping in and censuring the principal of La Martiniere for Boys' School. That corporal punishment is by itself not a civilised way of teaching discipline and reinforcing good values is obvious. However, what strikes me as odd is that Rouvanjit's parents have woken up after nearly four months since the child's death. That a child of thirteen will be sensitive to jibes from peers and authority figures is not surprising. What is however, is that the child did not find a sympathetic ear at home or shoulder to cry on. 

Why was he compelled to confide such deep anguish to his diary? What good are heart-rending family pictures appearing in the media, now? The family support that's being used to garner public sympathy now could have saved his life instead. Newer stories about his being heckled by his teachers are being revealed. The friends and family who are spending so much of their effort in defaming the school now would have done wiser by forming a support group for Rouvanjit and other children like him who are victims of this kind of punishment, earlier. 

Parents everywhere should consider this a wake up call of the worst kind. They must learn to create a comfortable space at home for their children to come and confide their deepest fears and anguish in. Spending more time with their children will benefit both in the long run.