Education is the key to create a truely inclusive society

 It was the year 1945, a boundary was demarcated along the 38th parallel and born were two nations North and South Korea. One undertook the path of an authoritarian regime education system of that country promoted worshipping of a leader, belief in tales and dogmas whereas, another country to efforts to impart to its citizens and equitable, inclusive and futuristic program of teaching their students. Presently, while one is grappling with gut-wrenching poverty and poor human development indicators, another one is a symbol of unbridled prosperity. Thus, the crucial role of education in shaping society makes it imperative to take a closer look at the issue.

In this essay we shall examine how education has evolved as a tool to mould society further we will analyse the role played and impact of education. Then, while looking at some of the impediments to education, we shall also discuss a way forward in this context education as a key tool. Nelson Mandela "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world", these lines show the importance of education in transforming human values, attitudes, and beliefs. Presently, we are a country with 72% literate. Spending only about 1.5 to two per cent of GDP on education, we lag behind our counterparts. All these points to a grim situation. But looking back, since independence days we have made remarkable improvement. During the freedom struggle, our leaders realised the lacuna in the British system of education. It was aimed at producing "loyalists". Leaders like G.K. Gokhale, M.G. Ranade, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru advocated a national education system. It marked an important turn in the history of the country and we as a nation mood towards making our own baby steps.

 Post-independence, there was an extra bit of focus on the education sector. The establishment of IITs, IIMs, CSIRs and other institutions aimed at growth in learning levels of countrymen. Also, the national education policy of 1968 and 1986 set the tone for the country. Presently, education has gone beyond scope of literacy. It includes character development, ethical values, gender justice, environmental concern. We are trying to nurture a generation of equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth. Let's have a look at how education impacts a nation in a multidimensional manner.

 Impact of education:

 Socially, our society is mirrored by religious dogmas beliefs and superstition. Education provides a ray of hope it helps in the promotion of scientific rationality and growth of reason. For example, practices like black magic have almost lost relevance. This in turn promotes social cohesion and harbinger of harmony in society.

 The benefits of education in the economic sector is undoubtedly manifold. It results in a workforce that is skilled, learned and technically capable. In the Indian context, it is extremely crucial to heap the benefits of demographic dividends. Education also leads to self-employment opportunities it can be a potent tool to eradicate poverty in our nation.

          The technological competence of Japan is driven by its robust education system. Promotion of innovation and incubated scientific temper through a carefully designed education system is a must. For example, E-learning initiatives such as whiteboard have enabled a student to learn coding while at home.

             Politically, an informed citizen is developed. It knows how to vote in a rational manner putting aside the matter of caste, class, religion etc. citizens through education are aware of their rights as well as duties. For example, the remarkable ability of a citizen to differentiate between national and local issues. The voting by the same person is different in the look sabha and Vidhan sabha elections.

             It also enhances our personal growth. As it is said that education is what remains with you after what is learned in school has been forgotten. We as an individual are able to entertain diverse perspectives become knowledge-hungry beings. Despite being aware of all the benefits and importance it carries, we as a nation are facing many problems.

 Impediments:

Primary education remains neglected government expenditure is also dismal. Infrastructure is poor and another issue is teacher absenteeism. Moreover, learning outcomes are also questionable as pointed out by all Indian rural ASER surveys conducted by NGO Pratham the problem is also due to the non-detention policy.

       Also, vocational education has not received its due share of importance. There is no doubt about the positive ripple effect of providing vocational capabilities to children. Japan is a case in point non-inclusion in the school curriculum deprives students of skill enhancement. Higher education also faces a huge dropout percentage, lack of cutting-edge research facilities, poor government funding. All this has contributed to brain drain. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel there are a few suggestions and some of the government initiatives taken so far.

 Measures for improvement:

 Amartya Sen, the advocate of capacity building of masses suggests large investment in the education sector of the country. It should entail the creation of a school with modern infrastructure ICT enabled classrooms adequate sanitation facilities etc.

          Institutionally, biometric attendance should be taken to check teacher absenteeism. An incentive-based program for rural postings of teachers is a good step forward. A special focus on women and tribal communities are essential. Margaret mead said that by educating a woman we educate a generation. it is imperative for improving health and nutritional status improvised educational policy for tribals can lead their livelihood generation by promoting the use of indigenous knowledge.

          In contemporary times, there is also a need to go beyond traditional education. Students should also be taught about sex education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, human rights, secular values etc.

 An inclusive society can be formed through an egalitarian system of education. Mahatma Gandhi in his "Nayee Taleem" had suggested lifelong learning of man. The purpose of education is to prepare youth to educate themselves throughout their life education is a chisel to you used for shaping up the character of the society and building of the nation. 

             Efforts undertaken today will take time to reflect slowly and gradually we will move on the part of success and future full of opportunities.We as a nation are not far away from realising "sab ka sath sab ka Vikas".