A wave of dissatisfaction swept through the Arts College campus in Lucknow on Monday as a group of former fine arts students gathered to voice their concerns. The demonstration was aimed at challenging the recent decision by Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas to mandate a BEd degree for teaching positions, which these students argue is unjust for those specializing in fine arts. These individuals emphasized that a Master's in Fine Arts represents the pinnacle of achievement in their field.

Uniting with similar protests across the nation, the demonstrators marched through both the Arts College and LU campuses. Carrying signs with messages like "Fairness for Artists" and "Six Years Are Enough," they highlighted the extensive education already required for their discipline. According to Nishank Shukla, a former student, previous job postings did not require a BEd, making this new criterion seem particularly burdensome. Another protester, Ritika Tiwari, pointed out the impracticality of adding another degree after years dedicated to mastering visual arts.

Education should be about recognizing diverse forms of expertise rather than imposing uniform standards. By advocating for a system that values specialized knowledge, these young artists are championing a cause that extends beyond their immediate needs. Their efforts highlight the importance of respecting various educational pathways and ensuring fair opportunities for all qualified individuals.