Importance of education
Education means modification of behaviour or the story of manners practically applied. Education is a method whereby one acquires all the traits which will help us to grow as ideal icons and holistic individuals who can shape the destiny of a nation. Education empowers the learners to make a significant contribution towards the progress by facing the realities of future life. It creates images of the future. Noteworthy part of education is that it enlarges, enriches and improves the individual’s image which eventually leads to the glory of his country. This is spot-lighted by Nelson Mandela as “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
Education plays a paramount role in chalking out not only the training of the intellect but also the refinement of the heart and the discipline of the spirit. It is the exercise and development of the powers of the mind. True educational knowledge is which remains even after we have forgotten most of what we have learnt for the limited purpose. Thus, it is a sort of residue. This means that education helps for training the individual for the inner transformation.
A prolific writer, an impressive orator, philosopher and above all an untiring teacher, Dr.S.Radhakrishnan who hailed as one of the eminent thinkers of this contemporary world said “Education is the means by which we can tidy up our minds, acquire information as well as sense of values. Education should give us not only the elements of general knowledge or technical skills but also impart to us the bent of mind, the attitude of reason, that spirit of democracy which will make us responsible citizens of our country”.
The best service that can be done for under-privileged families is to give education in order to make them stand on their own feet. “If the mountain cannot come to Mohammad, Mohammad must come to the mountain.” Similarly, if a poor man cannot come to education, education must go to him because literacy is vital for every citizen. “Literacy is not filling up a pail, but it is very definitely lighting up a candle in the dark room.” Unfortunately, our country houses a large number of illiterates especially among adults. Hence, it is a cause for concern to identify the momentousness of adult literacy programme and its role in the development of the country. Education which is a process of enlightenment is not meant exclusively for younger generation but also for adults. In the verse of Krishtakka, grandmother of Sudha Murthy “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. For learning there is no age bar.”
“What sculpture is to a block of marble, so is education to the human soul.” This is because education being a sub-social system, it plays a crucial role in reconstructing the society. Bhartrihari, the ancient poet herein glorifies education as “Education fosters modesty. And from modesty one gains a good position. From a good position, one gains money and from money one can execute righteous deeds. From such deeds, one gets happiness”. Hence, “Education is the apprenticeship of life.”