DWS Extra

I have been ambivalent about the role of sex education in schools; and so far I have not seen convincing arguments from either side of the divide. Generally, the Indian English media is biased in favour of sex education in schools, I think. There is really no overt support to it; but just that the tone of the debates and questions from anchors indicate that. Maybe I am wrong too.

Today, there is a major story on the homepage of CNN IBN on sex education in India. It is a report on a TV panel debate on the topic. On the second page, I came across this gem.

When asked what his objection to a teacher talking about sex is, Singhal said, “The objectionable part about the course is the fact that volunteers should be picked up (one boy, one girl) so that they can feel the genitals of each other.”

But Rajan informed that the proposal has been withdrawn.

What?

BP Singhal, a man I particularly dislike most times, said this. It seems there is some truth in it – no one flat out denied that. Janaki Rajan, the othe panelist, informed him that the proposal was withdrawn.

So there was a proposal that a volunteer couple would feel each other up in classroom to understand what genitals felt like? Is that what some of the sex-education proponents in India proposed? And then it was later withdrawn?

The news story on that site is silent on the details. Obviously it made everyone uncomfortable – no further details, no more embarrassment, right? That is quite similar to the way the media talked about freedom of expression without actually describing that ‘offensive’ paintings of the artist Chandramohan. This kind of sly campaigning is typical of Indian media which wants to be seen as modern and secular; but is not willing to take the consequences of such a stand.

But, on a serious note, was this proposal there, and who came up with it? Who approved or disapproved it? Is volunteers feeling up each others’ genitals in classroom an accepted mode of sex education somewhere in the world? So if sex education comes to India today, can we expect that to come too, maybe in a decade’s time?

On a lighter note, here are some suggestions.

1. The feeling up of each other’s genitals should be made compulsory in sex education class. No volunteers!
2. There should be equal opportunity groping. No should be left out. No one should feel that their genitals are not worth feeling up.
3. As students’ genitals are still growing, they should have a clear idea about what adult genitals are like, and teachers should offer their own ‘equipment’ so students have a clearer idea what they are dealing with.
4. I want to be back in school!
5. On second thoughts, no. It was a boys’ school, you see. Boys’ schools should be abolished before sex education comes to India!