“For a democracy to be truly robust, it must protect the “Three Ds”: Debate, Dissent and Deliberation. Without these, the sanctity of Parliament is hollowed out from within. Debate on the merits of proposals, and deliberation over the Opposition’s counter-suggestions, are the lifeblood of parliamentary systems.”

Shashi Tharoor, MP, in an essay titled ‘When Parliament becomes a rubber stamp’ (Indian Express, December 25)

“The hard truth is that once the British and the Maharajas departed, universities began to be treated not as ends in themselves but as means to address grievances… The question was never what politicians and bureaucrats could do for the university, but what the university could do for them. In short order, the university became an extension of party and State, as seen in the keenness with which middle-aged candidates partake in ‘student elections’…”

Rahul Sagar, associate professor at NYU, Abu Dhabi, on why Indian universities don’t make it to top global university rankings (Hindustan Times, December 26)

“In 2035, it will be 200 years since Macaulay’s conspiracy, and with 10 years remaining, India will demonstrate complete liberation from the colonial mindset. Once the nation is free from this mindset, it will take greater pride in indigenous traditions and advance further on the path of self-reliance.”

Prime minister Narendra Modi speaking at an event commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons (Hindustan Times, December 27)

“A university that prioritises attendance over engagement ultimately betrays its fundamental purpose to nurture critical thinkers who can challenge and transform society… Coercion indeed is always the refuge of a pedagogy that has lost confidence.”

Shelley Walia, former professor at Panjab University, Chandigarh in an essay titled ‘Mandating student presence, erasing learning’ (The Hindu, January 2)