Everyday we hear or come across words like "Educated", "Education", "Educate" etc. How often do we really dwell upon and try to understand what does this really mean?
I am not talking about what Merriam-Webster defines, which is the one below
"
Definition of education
- 1a : the action or process of educating or of being educated; also : a stage of such a processb : the knowledge and development resulting from an educational processa person of little education
- 2: the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools
- "
- Towards the early part of the last century, focus was on sending young kids to schools, colleges and universities based on available resources with parents. Some even stretched out to go the extra mile.
- Everyone wanted to be "Educated" and earn degrees. This certainly was a great move. People innovated new technologies, paved the road for a more connect world and we continuously strive to becoming a 100% educated and literate society.
However, I want to point out to a few fundamental growing challenges that today's world faces. I would like to question, if this is what we have learnt in the process of being "Educated"?
1. Gender ratio gap seems to be increasing in urban societies across the globe, mainly in South Asia. Thanks to technology which now can tell you whether it is a boy or a girl and suggest next steps thereafter before the creation is actually born. Is it still the belief that boys are superior? Have we not been able to change the way society thinks?
2. We have been able to successfully divide ourselves based on religious beliefs, how we look, where we come from (country, state, region), language we speak etc. BTW this is universal, be it the developed or developing country. Did we learn this better now that we are "Educated"? I am sure this helped the radical and leftist mindsets to create the much needed wide gorge.
3. Empathy, respect for each other, kindness, love and affection, philanthropy now have new home called "The Dictionary" or visit a lecture session. Have we put in the effort in teaching the new generation and kids to imbibe these human values and traits? Our ancestors possible had more of these values without possibly stepping into a college.
4. Trust and honesty are now aliens and reside in planet X. It seems uncool to have these sitting next to you. I am sure this is not taught in biology or chemistry. Hence why are these friends being alienated?
We can complain that everyone/society is wrong and why me, but can we all do our bit to think through some of these challenges. Can we take steps and see if we can make a difference? Can we make a new start and set an example?
I am sure many of us echo with this, but we don't believe in doing the right thing. It starts at home and with I, ME and MYSELF......
3. Empathy, respect for each other, kindness, love and affection, philanthropy now have new home called "The Dictionary" or visit a lecture session. Have we put in the effort in teaching the new generation and kids to imbibe these human values and traits? Our ancestors possible had more of these values without possibly stepping into a college.
4. Trust and honesty are now aliens and reside in planet X. It seems uncool to have these sitting next to you. I am sure this is not taught in biology or chemistry. Hence why are these friends being alienated?
We can complain that everyone/society is wrong and why me, but can we all do our bit to think through some of these challenges. Can we take steps and see if we can make a difference? Can we make a new start and set an example?
I am sure many of us echo with this, but we don't believe in doing the right thing. It starts at home and with I, ME and MYSELF......
