This refers to DV June 1, 2004, p.8: “Two high-tech -chief ministers bite dust”. You are right that we should not underestimate the importance of IT but find remedies that the “IT revolution” would not bypass the Dalit-Bahujans for want of 1. Phone, 2. computer, 3. knowledge of English as you mention.
For all the Dalit-Bahujans a phone and a computer are -a distant dream but the knowledge of English must be acquired right now. At least they must start now. Our children should go to English-medium school, read English newspapers, watch English programmes on TV. The answer lies in “stop regional languages in personal life of Dalit:Bahujans”.
Let the Brahmins preserve their regional languages. We do not want a part of these languages. They are not our languages. | do not like my children speaking Marathi even at home.
One more thing: all our students must learn to type. It does not cost much, maybe Rs. 50 a month for one hour a day. Without knowing typing computer is no use.
I am mentioning this because even those who can afford it may neglect to do this — some out of ignorance and some out of pride for their language. For those who cannot afford it, our leaders would be required to provide facilities with the taxpayer’s money. That would also require motivation. We must create an atmosphere in the society for this. ‘
First life security, then food, clothing, shelter and lastly health and education are basic needs. After those are fulfilled, we have to compete with others for survival in an open market. Let us start getting ready on our part individually and leave the rest to our leaders to fight like my children speaking Marathi even at home. For.
