Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has voiced concern over the growing participation of children in student protests across the country, saying the real danger facing India is not any particular religious community but the country’s childhood, youth, present and future.
Speaking on the ongoing protests, Ramdev said children should not be pushed into demonstrations at the cost of their education. He questioned how students would focus on their studies if they continued participating in protests and surrounding government offices.
‘Children Should Not Be Used in Protests’
Ramdev said children must be kept away from protests and stressed that demonstrations should not become anarchic or violent. He referred to protests in Jantar Mantar, Ranchi and other parts of the country, where children have reportedly participated in large numbers.
He argued that students should focus on their education instead of spending their time in demonstrations.
Calls for Systemic Reforms
Ramdev said no single political party, opposition group or individual has the power to transform the entire system. According to him, meaningful change requires collective efforts at the social, political and administrative levels.
He also highlighted the need for reforms in India’s education and healthcare sectors, saying serious questions remain about both systems and need to be addressed. He stressed that the government has a major responsibility in resolving these issues.
Protests Must Remain Peaceful
Ramdev said movements aimed at protecting the Constitution and democracy should be based on constitutional, democratic, ethical, spiritual and humanitarian values.
He also raised concerns over corruption in government recruitment and jobs, saying he could launch a movement if the situation does not improve.
At the same time, Ramdev urged educated youngsters to stay away from violent demonstrations. He said India’s freedom was achieved through constitutional and peaceful struggles and maintained that protests should therefore remain peaceful and democratic.