EDUCATION AND LITERACY
by G.MANJULATHAdEVI, Asst Prof English, Jyothishmathi Institute of Technology and Science, Karimnagar
Education is not acquisition of academic qualifications. However, acquiring academic qualifications is possible through literacy, which is the very foundation of the knowledge to read and write. Here is where exactly education distinguishes itself from literacy. Education is something that comprises the highest degree of significance and widest range of meaning; it is something that is entwined with the edification of one’s conduct and then realign oneself to the existing situation which eventually leads to exultation and contentment in one’s life , in the absence of which, life is just a tribulation and curse.
Can literacy be totally slighted? Obviously no. I am now paraphrasing the words of great ancient poet of Sanskrit, Bharthrthruhari who while highlighting the magnitude of literacy said.
“Literacy is a treasure that cannot be stolen by any thief;
it is prosperous, grants wealth, be a friend in a foreign
land; it is God who will take care of man; there is no
wealth that can be compared to literacy; it is
honoured by emperors; anybody who is illiterate
is a mere tetropod.”
Alarmingly despite possessing all these merits, literacy is dishonored and discarded something as ‘Necromancy’ when a literate lacks character.
The growth of man includes his philosophical and scientific elevation. His ability to read, comprehend, retain and reproduce things which is the consequence of his honest physical labour. He may produce magnificent literature; his inventions and discoveries may glorify his status; his knowledge may reveal his supremacy, but, nonetheless, the absence of discretion will leave no better mark on his existence except a historical tragedy.
A literate without character is a noble villain. His academic achievements can only enable him to destroy the peace of the world. He loves nights and longs for the expiry of the bright day light. Secrecy is his favourate as he lives obscure. Real education, on the contrary, moulds his character and paints the picture of his life palatable to watch and makes him believe that this life is a thrilling experience.
A mother who administers her family, being a congenial companion to her husband, affable friend to her children, and obedient daughter-in-law to her in-laws; and who ensures every member of the family everything that one human being expects from another human being; and in this way setting herself as example, trains the small group to be human, is truly educated, albeit illiterate. A common milk-man who turns up before everybody is out of bed has real education. A child who is regular to school and never bemoans the hard work he will have to do has actual education.
The world’s renewed poet Words Worth illustrates the picture of education in his famous poem ‘Education of Nature’ According to him true education is to feel the existence of God in every object of Nature that stands as example for discipline and order.
So education is none other than awareness of what one ought to do and how to do. Education is culture. Education is civilization. Civilization does not mean a fashion that manifests an individual’s apish desire to make oneself conspicuous in attire and scandalous appreciation of the western ways of life. It is advancement in thought and application that keeps the decorum of man while he thus moves farward, his nobility increases proportionately, and since his civilization reflects his culture, he is serious about keeping it intact.
It is sad that literacy is misinterpreted as education. Those who have academic endeavours laugh at the culture and its demands for the individuals in the society. True education is keeping one’s identity; not losing it in the name of civilization by adopting foreign modes which may not suit to his life.
A scientist whose new invention is beneficial to the society may be a reject because of his personal conduct. If his knowledge of the things generates arrogance in him, he either misuses his knowledge or circumscribes it only to himself without transferring it to coming generation. Either of these ways is precarious to the on-going procedure of the world. The affairs of the world go on well as long as they are done on give-and-take business. Great Gita proclaims: “Education which is Gnana cannot be imparted. An individual has to work indefatigably to acquire that and once this Gnana envelops an individual’s soul, he experiences only raptures in life. The verities of life appear to him not as insufferable groans but as temporary passing events, each ensuring him wisdom to comprehend the ways of God and access to His feet.”
Simple knowledge of the printed words cannot educate one’s mind and mould one’s character. For the assurance of the cloistered life people need to have education of life and responsibilities. The secrecy behind creation and of course destruction is keenness and curiosity. The inquisitiveness will make man a professional, a scientist, a reformer and a benefactor. Its connectivity with the academic excellence is null and void.
** ELTWeekly would like to thank G.MANJULATHAdEVI for contributing this article.