In a world increasingly driven by efficiency and centralized power, the concept of conviviality stands out as a refreshing and necessary counterpoint. The term 'capitalitis' coined by public health expert John Oommen, encapsulates a mindset prevalent in Delhi and beyond, where policies crafted in the national capital are seen as universally applicable. This disease, with its myriad symptoms, extends beyond politics and into the realm of education, as exemplified by the CBSE's On-Screen Marking system rollout. The lack of a comprehensive pilot project, involving a mere fraction of CBSE schools, highlights the disconnect between policy and the diverse realities on the ground.
My personal experience on a committee tasked with devising a national graduate examination offers a contrasting glimpse. The atmosphere was convivial, with academics from across India collaborating to create an examination that identified talent while encouraging creativity. This experience underscores the importance of a diverse, consensus-based approach, especially in the context of a federal system.
The rise of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and its reliance on contractual employees has shifted the focus from passion and conviviality to administrative efficiency. This shift has led to a breakdown in collaboration, with academics refusing to work with the NTA. The NTA's structure, with its centralized power and lack of intrinsic purpose, undermines the very essence of our federal system.
The potential combination of capitalitis and AI is a cause for concern. While AI can efficiently generate questions and evaluate answers, it lacks the human element of conviviality. A convivial society, as the article rightly points out, is one where diversity is celebrated and efficiency is not the sole metric. A Viksit Bharat, a prosperous India, should also be a convivial Bharat, where no single center holds absolute power.
To achieve this conviviality, we must first recognize and address capitalitis. It is a disease that affects our perception of policy implementation and our ability to appreciate the unique challenges faced by different regions. Only by curing ourselves of this disease can we hope to build a truly social and convivial nation.
