Are we educated illiterates?

What is the meaning of education? Is it merely filling the brain with information? One may get many colorful definitions for education; but the one ‘To bring out the knowledge with in’ sounds different. There is a saying that ‘all the knowledge in the world are inherent in every child that takes birth in this earth’; if it is so, we all are educated by the time of our birth. Then what really makes a man educated?

A sculptor can make idols of different forms from the same stone. An individual’s character can be moulded like anything; parents, teachers, society etc. are responsible for the development of a child as a useful human being.

The true nature of a man is reflected in the way in which he behaves in different situations. Swami Vivekananda once said, “the human nature of a man is only skin thick, when you scratch the animal comes out”. Animal nature is inherent in all human beings; one who keeps that animal ‘silent’ can be treated as educated.

What does education provides in this era? A mind that questions everything he sees? or bargaining power for getting more returns? or the ability to give a blind eye to the good works happening around? or a mixture of all these?

Ancient education system provided the students, the courage to fight against non-righteousness, mentality to serve the fellow beings and more over the ability to see everyone alike. Adi Sankara, Sree Narayanaguru, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa all belonged to that category. Ancient education never taught to take pride in whatever things one does. The good thing is that India still has leaders, who head NGOs that spread across the five continents, always keep a smile on their faces and motivates thousands of youngsters across the globe.

What all good things can the youngsters give(back) to the society? All the youngsters should ask themselves the questions…. how much amount our government had spent for us?, how many people had extended their valuable service for our well being? What we often do is to forget all these things and think only of climbing more heights with lesser number of steps. It is our duty to take up the challenge to help the less fortunate fellow beings. Youngsters should shoulder the responsibility to impart the knowledge they have gained to the people living in under developed villages, known to be the heart of India. There are lots of opportunities in the fields of education, health care, law….. like helping a student in his studies or offering free medical attention or giving awareness about law.

Social status, power, money, strength etc. can give temporary happiness but they can be lost at any time. Youngsters should realize the fact that the happiness derive from selfless service will have no bounds. For the youngsters the ABC of life should be ‘Always Be Cheerful’.

Happy Teacher’s Day.

By

Riji N.Das

Dept. of CS