The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, this Motion is a good starting point for deeper education reform. In our time, learning law and ethics was part of a broader social studies curriculum beyond textbooks—history, geography, civics, and moral values—through creative, practical classroom activities that built identity and belonging.

¶ 02 We must broaden focus from civics to social studies as a whole, even in a digital age, while remembering historical realities. At times, Tamil was the royal administrative and scholarly language in the up-country kingdoms, reflecting past cultural harmony. It was colonialism, not regional kinship, that divided us.

¶ 03 We learned practical lessons about rights and responsibilities—your right to swing a walking stick ends where another person begins. Understanding Fundamental Rights (e.g., Article 14 of the Constitution—freedom of expression and association) is vital. Forming associations and parties is a right; some MPs appear not to know this.

¶ 04 Our destinies are intertwined with India—through culture, civilization, and religion. We must not be isolated but understand our rights and obligations within the region. I support the Motion and urge its expansion, starting from primary level, not merely for examinations or professional pathways.