At the very outset let me make an alarming quote : “ Being Literate does not mean you are Educated!” If you really think
hard over it , you might understand what I really mean to say. I have used word ‘might’ because
I am petrified, If really, am right in passing on what really has made
me think a billion times ….Well, read on to know what I really wish to
convey….. The Times of India ‘Lead India Campaign’ recently carried a write-up stating that The Lead India award encompasses a grant of Rs. 50 Lakh to fund a public service project of the winner’s choice and thus , asking its
finalist as to which sector would they spend the money on and
why ? What would their dream projects be ? When I read this, I was
really nosy to know to which choice these eight bold, sharp, smart,
intellectual finalist resort to . Without much postponement, I started to scan through their preferable choices. Expectedly , majority of these people opted for Development of
Education and Rehabilitation . If you ask me , they ought to have a two big thumbs up for resorting to this very ‘deprived choice’. I too really didn’t find any other public service project much a worth as this one. What makes Education so special ? Respected ,Swami Vivekanand rightly said , “Education is what sets one apart.” What I feel is that education is not about just clearing the grades each passing year and laminating the certificates
! Education goes beyond that; yes too far. You are still an illiterate
, if even after having graduate , masters , and ph.d certificates your thinking , thoughts , mind is still amateurish . What’s the use of being educated if its not put to use in a right way ? Ask yourself to get an apposite answer… Education helps
to develop our inner consciousness . It teaches one , basic morals,
ethics , its cultures you , and more importantly makes a human a
rational being . If the importance of the word ‘Education’ and its
meaning in true sense is spread, much more faster than a wild-fire it
will certainly help a country like INDIA to take a giant leap from being a Developing county to Developed country within no time. Education forms the core of all the beginnings. In
literal sense , its true that people in many parts of the country are
still deprived of even basic education . Women still prefer to be
illiterate in some areas , though the scenario is fast changing , and I
bet this one is surely a welcome a change! As Mr. Rahul Bose (one of
the 8 finalist) rightly says “Our first initiative is to educate six
children from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a school on the Indian
mainland”, well said Mr.Bose . Preferably
major attention should be given to the deprived areas where people are
haunted by superstations, violence , discrimination etc…takes
precedence . But will this be easily possible as it seems to be ?
Certainly not! Himanshu Chittkara the another
finalist rightly puts “not all of us are born with similar capabilities
but all of us should get an equal opportunity to develop our
capabilities”. Yes that’s the word , “Equal opportunities” are the
words which gets the acme precedence if word
Education has to be spread all over..! Education bridges a gap between
the haves and the have-nots. The richer and the poorer. Education plays
a major role in hampering inequality and any sort of discrimination .
And equally importantly it promotes Economic growth , Peace and reduces
Corruption . If we claim ourself educated ,
have we started started towards putting and end to violence ,
corruption , and are we working towards attaining peace ? Let
the word spread all over and let us all be ''Educated'' in real sense. As
it is rightly said Education leads to empowerment and diminishes
helplessness…..so are you Educated ???