To beat a child

Akey Indian characteristic is not just being tolerant of diversity but also happily coexisting with contradictions, particularly when tradition comes abreast of modernity. Take the way how we deal with the twin aspects of youngsters wanting to marry each other, be it across gotras or religions, and the proposed Bill on offences against children. On the one hand, we have people openly supporting banning people falling in love with someone in the same village or the next one, and if that does occur, making no bones about either ostracising them or chucking them out of the village, or giving sanction to chopping their heads off. Then we actually have people, supposedly rational and progressive characters from among the political class as well, who seek understanding or downright empathy for these khap panchayats who hand down such sentences and edicts. On the other hand, however, we apparently are so careful and concerned about the welfare of our young ones that we are prepared to bring in a Bill that envisages sending even parents to gaol if children are being corporally punished.

Now, there’s a vast and hoary parental tradition of correcting children’s behaviour with a wallop. An entrenched system of thought that holds that kids really can’t be taught right from wrong unless they are brought into contact with the rod or cane. At home or at school. Of course, it would be wholly welcome to ban such behaviour. There is no getting away from the fact that children can very well be taught things and disciplined without being hurt. And, per se, it is a sort of moral and ethical crime to hit a child. But, pray, how are we going to have such legislation, make people see its benefits and validity, if those same kids are allowed to be targeted for wanting to marry someone, for instance, from the wrong community or village? Or is it alright to discipline them when they grow up? A case of innocence being legally denied, perhaps.