"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Education is a very broad concept. As the quote says, education is to help a person, a society, a nation to learn, think. Education is indeed the building block of a prosperous nation, but only when we learn to apply it in the correct way.
Education have been an integral part of the society from ancient time. It's role in socio-economic development was immense. Gurukul used to impart knowledge to the masses regarding different aspects like religious values, moral lessons, Vedic literature, etc. Surprisingly, when the focus shifted from education to war and conquest, during the Later Vedic Period, the socio-economic life of the people changed miserably. Likewise, in today's date, countries or the society which are educated have been doing well than those who are less educated.
This is why UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) has incorporated "EDUCATION" in the 7 Sustainable Development Goals. A research report by KNOEMA states that the literacy rate of Afghanistan is 38% and that of India is 74%. And as per Human Development Index (HDI), Afghanistan has ranked 180 and India has ranked 132 out of 180 countries. So, comparing the two reports, a correlation can be drawn that, the country with a higher literacy rate has a better ranking in HDI report. This parity is because of the lack of education. people in countries like Pakistan, Chad, Niger, etc engage more in unsocial activities like burglary, theft, and corruption. It's because they failed to acquire the basic knowledge & skills that are required to survive in today's competitive world. Whereas societies like India, Finland, have performed well in the economic development as well as reforming the societal life.
But this is not all to it. There is a minute difference between literacy and true education. Somewhere in the rat race of self-development, we seem to forget the true sense of education. Education does not only mean achieving degrees, credentials, or skills. it also means imparting moral and ethical values within the individual and the society. A person, whether good or bad, is judged by his moral values, by the ethics he holds. Education makes a successful man but moral values make a good human being.
We are living in an egalitarian society, surrounded by people of different kinds and status. We have been through situations where a highly educated person refuses to give up his seat to an elderly man or pregnant woman. On the other hand, a homeless person was seen protecting a dog from the hands of a few delinquents and later shared his food too. Who would you consider to be a nice person? Thus to build a good society or a nation, not only do we need to be educated but incorporate moral and ethical sense in our education. One such nation who is well educated and that too in true sense is Japan. A video surfaced in social media showing Japanese spectators cleaning the stadium in Qatar after the match ended.
But imparting such education is a challenge in itself. India is vast, diverse, and has a mix of societies. Few families prefer sending children to work rather than school. few of them would like their daughter to get married and pick up responsibilities rather than books and pens. Various such instances are Seen in India and in many other countries as well. The cost of education in India is also a matter of grave concern for many of us. Government schools, in spite of providing free education, are unable to attract students. This is because of the lack of infrastructure, quality teachers, etc. Also, the course curriculum of different stages of education has not undergone any major changes for a long time. Though the awareness of the importance of education is sufficient in urban areas but it lack in rural areas. However, in spite of having so many setbacks India has improved her ranking than the last year. Central and state govt. have adopted various measures, introduced bills and schemes to increase the penetration of education among the masses
Central government rolled out "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" Mission to increase the participation of girls in schools. PM-POSHAN provides nutritional meals to school children and monitors their nutritional levels. SWAYAM programme is rolled out to provide online certificate course from institutions like IITs, and IIMs The National E-Library is an online portal that provides access to knowledge by ensuring that quality content from premier educational institutions is available in digital format. West Bengal government launched "Kanyashree Prakalpa" that provides an annual scholarship to unmarried girls (13-18yrs) enrolled in class 8-12. This scheme was even awarded by UN and UNICEF.
Many initiatives had been taken and a part of it have been accomplished as well. yet, there are more things to be done in order to improve our education sector. Just like National Education Policy, that reformed the system, we need a reform in the syllabuses as well. We should try to gather ideas and introduce better education policies from across the globe. Regular training of teachers, both private and government sector should be conducted. Increased funding to this sector is the need of the hour. Advanced technologies, better equipment, infrastructure should be rolled out in phases. International student exchange programme should be encouraged, as this will not only develop cross-border relationships but enhance character development.
Various historical events showed us the importance of education as a backbone of society or nation. During British Raj, things worsened because of the lack of education among the people, which later became the weapon of the alien power. So, considering the current achievement of India and the policies that the country is taking up, one can definitely be hoping to witness India climbing up the ladder of the top educated nations. A society can thrive only if people are educated, has conscience, and the ability to think. Tiny reforms at certain intervals of time are what we need to reach our goal.