Development is key to good life irrespective of one’s cast, creed or community. It is the need of every human being – rich
or poor.
What do we exactly mean by development? Is it affluence, better living standards, social status and acceptance or reputation? But aren’t these the yields of the efforts of a developed or progressive individual? One would get satisfaction only if one achieves all these by oneself. One wonders as to what is that key ingredient that would help one progress on one’s own. The only thing that comes to our mind is LITERACY.
One may inherit a lot of wealth. But in absence of literacy, he may not know how to put it to right use and may soon waste it. Easy money gotten is often ill spent leaving the person as a popper. A person, who hasn’t made his wealth by his own efforts or is not able to grow the inherited one, is not respected. The person doesn’t know the value of money and develops vices, which only earns him bad repute and misery.
How does literacy help? Literacy enables a person to read and write,
understand, analyse, take right decisions and benefit himself as well as others. It adds to one’s knowledge, skill and provides fresh perspective to what one sees, hears and does. Literate people understand their rights and responsibilities. They understand their duties towards their family, friends, society and country and in fact the planet itself. They grow into dutiful and civilised citizens. They develop competence and problem solving ability and better equipped to face life challenges. They set examples for others to emulate, excel and
contribute to the society in various ways.
It’s literacy that helps people realise their true potential and become doctors, engineers, artists, diplomats and leaders in various fields and contribute immensely. The good work done by these people is appreciated by others and in turn, motivates them to become literate.
It wouldn’t be out of place to mention that it is literacy that can be key to eliminating illiteracy and making development possible.