Why political literacy must begin in the classroom

As the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election 2026 approaches and the political climate across the state grows increasingly charged, with intensifying campaign rhetoric and closely scrutinised manifestos, a crucial question demands attention: Do our youth, especially students, understand politics beyond slogans and symbols? While electoral enthusiasm is visible, deeper comprehension often remains uncertain.

Although many young voters participate in democratic processes by voting, sharing opinions on social media, or engaging in campus discussions, such participation tends to remain superficial when it is not supported by a structured understanding of political systems and institutions. As a result, their engagement, though active, is not always informed or critically grounded.