The Power of Education

 

 

 

As a child, one of my favorite aspiration was to become an adult. Oh my God, they looked so perfect and they had it all too, everything I lacked as a child; freedom, money, job, voice, apparels, jewelry, favorite food, etc. It all seemed so flawless. And every other teacher or an aunt probably pointed out how to grow up to become this or that person especially belonging to the adult community. The perfect dream to be exact. And as a 34 year old woman (by the way, to me 30+ is adulthood), I can tell you one thing, adulthood most often remains just the perfect dream, unachievable exactly as it is. And then there is this popular opinion, 'thats how life is..'. Well yeah, no complaints but all I am saying is, adulthood is nothing better than childhood itself. Or maybe the best years of your life is lived before turning 30 to step into adulthood.

Nothing wrong with turning 30 but the word f in 'fun' takes an entirely different twirl to a majority of people and if at all you still manage to survive your inner child, that is going to be an every day tug of war to drag along your inner child with you as you go forward. So yes, adulthood is awesome with all the gears that attracted me once such as freedom, rights, money and everything else which comes along with it but before 30 is that golden period of your life. So if anyone hasn't told you yet on how to equip you better to deal with adulthood instead of just ideating that perfect dream which resides only in your headspace, I think there is one important aspect of your childhood which can come handy. Well that word has a 'cat' in it, starts with an 'e', ends with an 'n' and is always 'on'. Any guesses??

E D U C A T I O N...

Oh yeah. Once again, I too hated that whole lot of workload amidst loathing on how sooner I can become an adult. Robbed off my free time, always assigned me tasks, learning wasn't a cakewalk either. Then comes exams.. Oh yeah ask me about it, I have a son who hates exams, so what he probably does is studies and understands things but never apply that on the exam paper during that limited timestamp because he as an individual is not quite convinced with the entire concept of exams yet. I know he is a forward thinker but me as a kid was totally lacking on that thinking privilege even.

So yeah, lets bring in the jargon in the coming few paragraphs..

What is education ? 
Education is a cornerstone of human development and societal progress. It is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but a comprehensive process that encompasses the development of intellectual, emotional and social skills. Through education, individuals gain the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life, contribute to their communities and pursue personal and professional growth.

At its core, education is about improving one's critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These skills are essential in a world where information is abundant, but the ability to analyze and apply that information effectively is what truly matters. By engaging with a variety of subjects from mathematics to the arts, students learn to approach problems from different angles, think creatively and develop solutions that are both innovative and practical.

Moreover, education is crucial for personal development. It helps individuals understand themselves and their place in the world. Through education, people learn about different cultures, histories and perspectives, which develops empathy and a sense of global citizenship. This understanding is essential in a world that is increasingly interconnected, where collaboration and mutual respect are key to addressing global challenges.

Education also plays a pivotal role in social and economic mobility. It opens doors to better job opportunities, higher incomes and improved quality of life. For many, education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving a stable and prosperous future. Furthermore, educated individuals are more likely to participate in civic activities, vote and contribute to their communities, thereby strengthening the fabric of society.


Impact on Society: 

The value of education is not confined to the individual. It has a profound impact on society as a whole. Educated populations tend to have lower crime rates, better health outcomes and more robust economies. Education promotes social cohesion by reducing inequalities and fostering a shared understanding of societal norms and values. In this way, education is not only a tool for personal success but also a means of creating a more just and equitable society.

In addition to its practical benefits, education enriches our lives by nurturing a love for learning. It encourages curiosity and a desire for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. Lifelong learning, a concept that education instills, is crucial in a rapidly changing world where new skills and knowledge are constantly required. This adaptability is what enables individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving job market and society.

That all being said, an advanced knowledge of economy is a requisite of adulthood especially for those who would want to thrive in their life. And trust me, staying mediocre when evolution and betterment can be done free of cost is not worth any of it, so level up and level up plans are always an essential. 

There is a well averred saying in my native language Malayalam as " Deepasthambam Mahashcharyam, Namukkum Kittanam Panam"  which translates into 'that lamp post is enigmatically astounding, I too deserve a prize.' This is actually put forth by Kunjan Nambiar , a widely respected, renowned and prominent Malayalam poet of the 18th century who is also the originator of the dance art form of Thull'll. You see how he had devised his on gig back then. The exact scenario goes on as follows:

Once Kunjan Nambiar, was attending a royal function in which a lavishly built lamp post (deepa sthambam) was being inaugurated by the King. The king naturally wanted all the poets to sing in praise of the royal lamp post for which the King was rewarding handsome money. Kunjan Nambiar who was reluctant to sing a fake praise, sang thus:
“Deepa Sthambham mahascharyam, Namukkum kittanam panam,”

“The lamp post is a great wonder,
I too deserve a prize.”

If no one ever brought your attention to this incident, then pardon me for this is also adulthood. This kind of rat race has already been integrated as a fundamental part of adulthood. The bread and butter for some, additives and addons for others, either way that integral part of adulthood is being able to make your own livelihood. Yeah, its true that education equips you better but are you also focusing on the aspects which deals with finance, economy, career guidance, leadership and management, entrepreneurial skills, EQ, etc. If not, it is so damn important to make these aspects of education part of your curriculum.

Why focus on Practical Skills. 

 

While traditional education lays a strong foundation in subjects like math, science and language arts there's it is also important to integrate practical skills that are crucial for real-world success. Education today increasingly includes aspects like financial literacy, which teaches students how to manage money, budget and invest wisely. Understanding the basics of the economy helps individuals make informed decisions in both their personal and professional lives. Career guidance is another vital component, helping students navigate their career paths, set achievable goals and align their education with their long-term aspirations.

Additionally, modern education is expanding to include leadership and management skills, which are essential for those aiming to take on supervisory roles or run their own businesses. Entrepreneurial skills, including creativity, innovation and risk management, are also becoming a focus, preparing students to create opportunities for themselves and others. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly emphasized, recognizing that the ability to understand and manage one's emotions and empathize with others is just as important as technical knowledge in achieving success and building strong professional relationships. By incorporating these elements, education becomes a holistic tool that prepares individuals not just for jobs, but for leadership, entrepreneurship and most importantly for personal fulfillment.

Another, the topmost aspect of education is how it fosters a sense of conscience by exposing individuals to a diverse range of ideas, cultures and ethical dilemmas, encouraging them to reflect on their own values and the impact of their actions on others. Through the study of history, literature, philosophy and social sciences, students learn about the consequences of human actions, both positive and negative, which helps them develop a moral compass.

Moreover, education often involves discussions around fairness, justice and responsibility, prompting students to consider what is right and wrong and to develop empathy for others. By promoting critical thinking and encouraging students to question and understand different perspectives, education helps them form a strong sense of conscience that guides their decisions and behavior in a way that aligns with their values and the greater good of society. Yes, I am stressing and reflecting on the same 'For the greater good of society.'

Education and Social Media.

We as societal beings, our conduct on social media is our reflection. More aptly isn't it also the reflection of your values, core principles, responsibility to your own people and to the society itself ?  A well-rounded education has a significant impact on how individuals interact with social media. First, it equips people with critical thinking skills, allowing them to evaluate the content they encounter online more effectively. In an age where misinformation and sensationalism are rampant, the ability to discern credible sources from unreliable ones is crucial. Educated individuals are more likely to fact-check, question the intent behind the content and make informed decisions about what to share or believe. This leads to a more thoughtful and responsible use of social media platforms.

Additionally, a well-rounded education promotes empathy and cultural awareness, which can greatly influence the tone and nature of interactions on social media. When individuals have been exposed to diverse perspectives and have learned to appreciate different cultures and experiences, they are more likely to engage in respectful and constructive conversations online. This can reduce the incidence of cyberbullying, trolling and other negative behaviors, fostering a more positive and inclusive social media environment.

Moreover, education helps individuals understand the broader implications of their digital footprint and the ethical considerations of their online behavior. With knowledge of digital literacy, privacy and the potential long-term consequences of sharing personal information or engaging in harmful online activities, educated users are more likely to use social media responsibly. This awareness contributes to a healthier digital ecosystem, where people are more mindful of how their actions can affect themselves and others, both now and in the future.

Based on all the above thoughts, I put forth basic education as a necessity rather than an amenity. And that should extend upto 14 years.. In India, 14 years of academic education entitles you to a higher secondary certification. Despite its importance, access to quality education remains a challenge for many. Barriers such as poverty, discrimination and lack of resources prevent millions of children and adults from receiving the education they need and deserve. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, communities and individuals alike. Investing in education is not just about building schools or hiring teachers; it is about creating an environment where learning can flourish and where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. If academic education is not accessible, why not extend it to online home tutoring and even home schooling. Make education a priority, another necessity like food, water and shelter. Education is a fundamental pillar of human development. It empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills and values needed to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society. Let us all equip ourselves and even the generations to come by.

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 An extension plan to PRTRIX..

PRTRIX : Public Relations Tricks..

Good leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision and relentlessly drive it to completion. Jack Welch

This is definitely a term I coined and I would so love to propose a plan to include this as part of the higher secondary education curriculum  if I ever could. Including public relations (PR) strategies in the education curriculum equips students with valuable communication and relationship-building skills that are essential in both personal and professional settings. By learning PR techniques, students develop the ability to craft effective messages, manage their public image and engage with diverse audiences, which is crucial in today's interconnected world. These skills not only prepare them for careers in PR, marketing or media but also enhance their ability to navigate social interactions, influence others positively and handle conflicts or crises with tact.

Moreover, incorporating PR education fosters a deeper understanding of how media and public perception shape opinions and behaviors. Students become more media-savvy, learning to critically analyze how information is presented and how to use media platforms strategically. This knowledge helps them become more effective communicators and influencers, whether they are promoting a cause, representing an organization or managing their own personal brand. Ultimately, PR education empowers students to be proactive, persuasive and ethical communicators, skills that are increasingly valuable in a wide range of careers and social contexts.

When it comes to any field there are four pillars of sanctity which holds the reign:

Data <-> Information <-> Knowledge <-> Wisdom

Then there comes two powers namely The Power of Faith and The Power of Fear which drives these forces. Education is a tool to inculcate faith rather than fear. And this is the reason PRTRIX or the Art of Strategizing comes into picture and which is why this should also become an educational qualification.

Some key aspects of PRTRIX based on a material which I came across recently would go on as..

1. Define your own or your representing entities Unique value making use of models like Porter's Value Chain.
2. Analyzing and Researching the Landscape using Growth-Share matrix models.
3. Prioritizing Initiatives, using aligned strategizing, structuring, shared values and benefits as well.
4. Develop or most aptly devise a clear vision to the entity as an encapsulated single unit.
5. Foster innovation and drive which essentially manages growth, encourages pitching in new ideas and regular reviews and self reflection on improvement.
6. Adaptation and Evolving- This equips your overall evolution and proficiency in the whole process.

And this should so be incorporated with the education curriculum so that PRTRIX also gains from the values of education, gets to reflect the values of education and also gets to make use of the strength of education.