“Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than those who produce them; for these only gave them life, those are the art of living well.” – Aristotle
In light of the recent NEET paper leak, CUET exam, CBSE OSM controversy and SSC paper leak, the entire education system seems to be deeply troubled and facing serious credibility challenges. Thousands of students and millions of dreams are tested by these examinations and when these exams are compromised, the dreams and lives connected to them are also compromised.
With national TV news anchors calling student whistleblowers “Pakistani agents”, educators like ‘Khan sir’ have spoken out on behalf of the students and protested against the system.
On the face of it, Khan Sir has come across as a charismatic personality. He has built a hospital and given people on the margins access to education. He has had an innovative approach to teaching and explains complex topics with remarkable clarity.
More recently, he has been vocal against the paper leaks, highlighting how compromised examinations can shatter the aspirations of students from modest backgrounds.
Over time, he has managed to build a solid base of students, who are pretty much his fans.
However, he has also been accused of being manipulating and weaponising students.
Just earlier this month, there was a gunfire incident outside Khan Global Studies, a coaching institute run by the educator in Patna.
He has been booked under Arms Act, and for attempt-to-murder by Patna Police. Reports say he has quietly gone into hiding.
However, many of Khan Sir’s supporters remain unconvinced by these allegations. Their faith in him has, in turn, led some critics to argue that he is increasingly mobilising students in support of his own causes. A possible reason for this shift in perception is the evolution of Khan Sir’s public image. Once seen primarily as a dedicated teacher and advocate for students, he has gradually become involved in broader issues, some of which are viewed through a political lens.
Although he continues to command immense support from students, his public role today differs from what it was five years ago. His expanding commitments may have contributed to this shift. While his intentions may be pure, the greater influence he now holds also makes him more vulnerable and prone to public scrutiny and criticism.
As Lord Acton once said, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, the more power students give to Khan Sir, the more prone he is to becoming a machiavellian. Therefore, Lord Acton’s words should be balanced alongside the famous saying that goes, “With great responsibility comes great responsibility.” It is none other than the students themselves, who have made Faisal khan what Khan Sir is today.
At present, Khan Sir commands significant influence through the immense support of his students, and he is well aware that they stand firmly behind him. This brings to mind the famous line from Shri Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas Ji, which essentially reflects the idea that society often overlooks or forgives the faults of those who possess power and influence. People rely on his actions, they tend to imitate, they tend to follow what their teacher does.
If the allegations against him are true, it is going to affect the whole ecosystem that he has created and a number of students are going to face the brunt because “a ship without a sailor is destined to die”.
Adhiraj Sahgal is a student of National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi. Views are personal.
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