My take on affirmative action/ reservation is abundantly clear: The intent being noble, the principle on which it is based is completely flawed. Giving a person preference just because of his/ her particular caste/ religion/ race is utter nonsense.
While the intention of our forefathers may have been philanthropic, it makes little sense to allow such a system in place. In an academic institution, allowing a less stringent criteria merely to accommodate a person of a particular caste/ race implies the lowering of the universities standards itself. Allowing the ones with the best resume into the university elevates the standards of the students as well as the overall ranking, which in turns attracts better students thus spawning a spiral upwards. In a private corporation, allowing a person with a less resplendent resume just because he/ she is of a different race reduces the effectiveness of the organization. The private sector has already realized that the role of different races and sexes is essential to success due to varied (and successful) ideologies. The most prominent example that comes to mind is the pursuit of women for corporate and management positions due to their 'soft but firm' nature, which helps in motivation, creativity and negotiations.
Perhaps it makes more sense for the government to provide equal access to resources for a person of a different caste/ race/ religion than have quotas in place and lower the overall standards of the institution/ organization. Providing economic help and setting up facilities (e.g. coaching classes for examinations) must be the quintessential focus of government efforts. Once students are given access to these resources, it is upto the student to utilize them fully and effectively to ensure personal and professional development.
Finally, at the time of judgement, let genes, hardwork, and possible luck, rule the day in enabling the best to get ahead. Perhaps this view is much too Darwinian for many, but it is essential for maximizing the potential of society's growth. That is the goal of humanity as a whole isn't it...?
While the intention of our forefathers may have been philanthropic, it makes little sense to allow such a system in place. In an academic institution, allowing a less stringent criteria merely to accommodate a person of a particular caste/ race implies the lowering of the universities standards itself. Allowing the ones with the best resume into the university elevates the standards of the students as well as the overall ranking, which in turns attracts better students thus spawning a spiral upwards. In a private corporation, allowing a person with a less resplendent resume just because he/ she is of a different race reduces the effectiveness of the organization. The private sector has already realized that the role of different races and sexes is essential to success due to varied (and successful) ideologies. The most prominent example that comes to mind is the pursuit of women for corporate and management positions due to their 'soft but firm' nature, which helps in motivation, creativity and negotiations.
Perhaps it makes more sense for the government to provide equal access to resources for a person of a different caste/ race/ religion than have quotas in place and lower the overall standards of the institution/ organization. Providing economic help and setting up facilities (e.g. coaching classes for examinations) must be the quintessential focus of government efforts. Once students are given access to these resources, it is upto the student to utilize them fully and effectively to ensure personal and professional development.
Finally, at the time of judgement, let genes, hardwork, and possible luck, rule the day in enabling the best to get ahead. Perhaps this view is much too Darwinian for many, but it is essential for maximizing the potential of society's growth. That is the goal of humanity as a whole isn't it...?
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