Click to play videoSchool children were transformed into stunt-masters at a Government run elementary school in Tamil Nadu July 15. The school celebrated a function by making students endure the pain of a motorcycle run over their hands. Present at the function were the wife of the state's Higher Education Minister, K Ponmudi. The school says it was show of bravery.
Who is to blame for the bizarre and dangerous display, which - if it had gone wrong - could have caused serious injuries to the children?
Parents of the children, the physical education teacher - who drove the bike over the kids' hands; Child Rights activist CRY, P Krishnamoorthy and DMK MP for Rajya Sabha Kanimozhi Karunanidhi discuss the incident.
CNN-IBN: Were you aware of the consequences had the stunt gone wrong?
Physical education teacher: I had selected the students only after giving them enough practice. Had something gone wrong, I would have been responsible for the students.
CNN-IBN: As a chief guest, shouldn't Higher Education Minister, K Ponmudi's wife be held responsible for the act as much as the school is?
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi: It was actually the Higher Education Minister's wife who intervened and stopped everything that was happening. As a chief guest, she would not know what programmes were going to take place, she was the one who said that it cannot go on and stopped the programme.
CNN-IBN: What action should the DMK Government take to ensure this doesn't happen again?
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi: I think the Education Department has sent the Villupuram CEO to find out what has happened actually and the principal has also said that it was done with the permission of the school PTA organisation. The Education Department has asked for an enquiry and directives to all the schools have been given that such programmes and things cannot be done anywhere in Tamil Nadu.
CNN-IBN: As a parent of a child who has gone through this, do you feel it's alright for the children to go through such an exercise?
Parent: We were asked for permission and were happy with the practice the school gave the students.
CNN-IBN: How does this become a part of Karate practice?
Physical education teacher: Karate is done to check the physical strength of a student and it's also done by breaking bricks and stones. This was also done as a show of physical strength.
CNN-IBN: If the parents are fine with it and it was done with their consent, then is it okay to let it go on?
P Krishnamoorthy: It's a blatant violation of child rights. Nobody would compensate if any injuries would have been inflicted on the children. Whether it's the parents, the PTA or the teachers, they cannot take the onus. These are small children put at risk in the name of festivals and Karate. This is condemnable act.
CNN-IBN: Being not only a Rajya Sabha MP but also a parent, did this shock you?
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi: It's appalling and no one can accept something like this specially when it comes to children. Its time we sensitise teachers and connect the education to child rights and protection. The Education Department has also roped in UNICEF and other organisations to create awareness, sensitise schools and teachers.
CNN-IBN: Was this stunt done to impress the chief guest?
Student: I'm not scared about what has happened and I enjoyed the experience and have gone through it several times before.
CNN-IBN: You must have been a chief guests at several occasions, is there a message you would like to send out to these schools?
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi: Trying to impress the chief guest is not important. We basically need to understand what child rights are, this is not regarding this particular programme but it can happen anywhere.
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