Rajnath Singh Flags the Growing Threat of White-Collar Terrorism: Education Without Ethics Can Be Deadly

As a news editor who has closely tracked national security, governance, and education policy for years, it is hard to ignore the gravity of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks on the emerging challenge of what he described as “white-collar terrorism”. Speaking in Udaipur on Friday, Singh delivered a sharp warning: higher education without ethical grounding can become a serious threat to society.

Addressing the 104th Foundation Day समारोह of Bhupal Nobles’ University, the Defence Minister drew attention to a deeply disturbing trend—individuals with professional degrees allegedly participating in acts of terror. According to Singh, this phenomenon highlights a fundamental gap in the modern education system, where academic excellence is sometimes divorced from values, morality, and national responsibility.

To underline his point, Singh referred to the November 10 car bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, an incident that shocked the country not only because of its brutality, but also due to the background of the accused. He noted that those arrested in connection with the attack were qualified medical professionals, exposing how education alone does not guarantee ethical conduct.

“The nation is witnessing a worrying rise in white-collar terrorism,” Singh said. “People with advanced degrees are working against the country and society. In the Delhi blast, doctors with degrees and RDX in their pockets carried out the attack. This clearly shows that knowledge without character and values can be extremely dangerous.”

The blast reportedly claimed the lives of fifteen people. Investigations revealed that the explosives-laden i20 car was driven by Dr. Umar-un-Nabi. Following the probe, authorities arrested three doctors—Muzammil Ganai, Adeel Rather, and Shaheena Saeed—bringing to light what officials described as a calculated white-collar terror conspiracy.

From an editorial perspective, Singh’s remarks strike at the heart of a larger national debate: what is the true purpose of education? According to the Defence Minister, academic and professional success cannot be the sole benchmark. “The aim of education is not just professional achievement,” he said. “It must also nurture morality, ethics, humility, and human character. Any education system that fails to impart these values, along with knowledge and a sense of ‘dharma’ (righteousness), remains incomplete.”

Singh further observed that terrorists are not always uneducated or ill-informed. In many cases, they possess university degrees but lack wisdom, empathy, and moral responsibility. This, he argued, makes them even more dangerous, as their skills and education can be misused for destructive purposes.

Clarifying his reference to religion, Singh stated that it should not be misunderstood as ritualistic worship. “When I speak of religion, I do not mean merely visiting temples, mosques, or churches,” he explained. “Religion is a sense of duty. Education without morality and a sense of duty does not serve society—and at times, it can even become lethal. This is why we sometimes see educated individuals involved in serious crimes.”

Beyond security concerns, the Defence Minister also spoke about India’s broader development trajectory. He highlighted that India is currently the fourth-largest economy in the world and is on track to become the third-largest by 2030. According to Singh, universities and higher education institutions have a decisive role to play in shaping this future.

Reiterating the point, Singh emphasized that educational institutions must go beyond producing skilled professionals. They must also create responsible citizens who contribute positively to national growth, technological advancement, and social harmony. “Universities are not just centers of learning; they are nation-building institutions,” he said.

In conclusion, Singh’s address serves as a sobering reminder that education, when stripped of ethics and values, can lose its purpose. As India advances economically and technologically, the challenge will be to ensure that progress is matched by moral clarity—so that degrees empower society rather than endanger it.