Editor,
It’s been more than two decades that Wangcha Rajkumar Government College (WRGC) – erstwhile Tirap College – is yet to be endowed with science stream. Established in 1997, the college was bestowed with a well-furnished building quite recently, while we had taken our classes in an old infrastructure which was meant for TB patients, and stayed in an erstwhile cowshed. Nevertheless, it is just the past and perhaps everyone has gone through this phase due to limited resources and poor funding from the government. However, today, in this age of modernisation and globalisation, the term ‘global village’ has come true in a sense. It is quite discomforting and inexcusable to still learn that Tirap, the oldest district, is yet to receive science stream, which, in fact, can be considered a basic subject/infrastructure.
In this age, society without learning science lags years behind because this is not only about a subject or a stream but it would mean a lack of many modern conveniences and advancements such as medicines and electricity. Not only that, but it would also mean a lack of understanding of the natural world, and a lack of ability to solve many problems that affect society. It affects the ability to progress and improve in areas such as education, health and economic development.
I want to bring this to the notice of all our student leaders and political leaders to please pursue this matter for the welfare of our society, for the coming generations. Though I myself have studied humanities, I realise the importance of science. Our brothers and sisters with great academic excellence, yet having poor economic condition, reluctantly join WRGC and resort to arts or commerce. It is not to demean arts and commerce; however, there are some students who want to opt for science; yet, paucity in options strangles their skills and enthusiasm.
It’s quite worrisome how we are lacking behind in every aspect in comparison to others districts, let alone other states. It seems that we need to give some effort to build our society stronger by building up the coming generations with well-equipped knowledge by providing the most essential needs in our education system. It really is true that a society without science lags years behind. I want to request the student leaders in particular to take up the issue and demand a science stream in WRGC, whereas there are other colleges in our state which were established equally in the same year, yet they already have the luxury of studying science, for instance in Kamki college. Therefore, at least for Tirap and Longding, WRGC should be facilitated with the science stream to save energy and money and foster competitive and quality learning.
Dr Tihang Afi