Indian actress Kajol, known for her stellar performances in Bollywood, recently found herself embroiled in controversy after making remarks about Indian politicians being “uneducated.” While public figures expressing their opinions on political matters is not uncommon, Kajol’s comments sparked a backlash from various quarters, with many accusing her of oversimplifying a complex issue and disregarding the accomplishments of politicians.
Discussing women empowerment in the country, Kajol said to The Quint, “Change, especially in a country like India, is slow. It is very very slow. Because we are steeped in our traditions and steeped in our thought processes and, of course, it has to do with education. You have political leaders who do not have an educational system background. I’m sorry but I’m going to go out and say that. I’m being ruled by leaders, so many of them, who do not have that viewpoint, which I think education does give you, at least the chance to look out for a different viewpoint.”
After the clip of her interview went viral, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actress was brutally trolled on Twitter. A netizen wrote, “This crop of nepotism Kajol herself is an illiterate school dropout. Her husband sells cancer and now look at her overconfidence”, while another added, “Kajol is a school dropout. Her husband sells Guthka. All that didn’t stop her from saying that we are ruled by uneducated leaders,” DNA India reported.
Supporters of various political parties argued that education and intelligence cannot be measured by degrees alone and that many politicians have dedicated years to public service and governance. They highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of politics and cautioned against oversimplifying the matter.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi took a dig at Bharatiya Janata Party. She took to Twitter and wrote, “So Kajol says we are governed by leaders who are uneducated and have no vision. Nobody outraging since its her opinion not necessarily a fact and also has named nobody but all Bhakts are outraged. Please don’t Yale your Entire Political Science knowledge.”
While it is true that educational qualifications alone do not determine one’s ability to govern, political education and awareness play a crucial role in effective governance. Understanding the complexities of policy-making, economics, and social dynamics can greatly aid politicians in making informed decisions. However, it is important to note that education comes in various forms, including formal education, life experience, and practical knowledge gained through engagement with diverse perspectives.
The involvement of celebrities in political discourse is a double-edged sword. On one hand, their popularity and platform can draw attention to important issues and raise awareness among their vast fan bases. However, when celebrities venture into complex political discussions without comprehensive knowledge or a nuanced understanding, it can lead to oversimplification and perpetuate misconceptions.
After being trolled on social media for making comments on ‘uneducated politicians’ in a recent interview with The Quint, Bollywood superstar actress Kajol 8 July broke her silence and said that she was merely making a point about education and its importance.
She took to Twitter and wrote, “I was merely making a point about education and its importance. My intention was not to demean any political leaders, we have some great leaders who are guiding the country on the right path.”
It is crucial for public figures to exercise caution and responsibility when speaking about political matters. While they have the right to express their opinions, they must also be aware of the potential impact their words can have on public perception. Engaging in constructive dialogue, promoting awareness, and encouraging citizens to participate in the political process are valuable contributions that celebrities can make.
Rather than dismissing politicians as uneducated, it is essential to foster an environment of constructive dialogue and encourage critical thinking. By engaging in meaningful conversations, citizens, celebrities, and politicians can work together to address the challenges faced by society. It is through informed discussions that effective policy-making and governance can be achieved.
Kajol’s remarks on Indian politicians being “uneducated” ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many criticizing her oversimplification of a complex issue. While education plays a vital role in effective governance, it is important to acknowledge that political knowledge and experience come in various forms. Public figures, especially celebrities, should approach political discourse with caution and strive to promote informed discussions rather than perpetuate misconceptions. Constructive dialogue and active engagement are key to creating a society that values diverse perspectives and works towards better governance.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
