We don't need no education...or do we?

Picture courtesy: Google Images

 A while ago, knowing my passion for the beautiful Taj Mahal, my mother asked me if I'd want my husband to build a similar mausoleum in my memory after I died....I said "No, if he had that much money, I'd rather he build a school or an educational institute in my name." And as usual, my mother was pleasantly surprised. (Well, parents sometimes have to be reminded that their kids aren't as fickle minded as they may seem! :P ) 

Why a school? Well, I've always believed that education is the best and most important gift you can give someone. I hear people saying "I hate school...", "This college hasn't taught me anything..", "I was better off sitting at home.." and all I think is, REALLY? Most people take their education for granted, and seldom realise what importance it has in their lives. 

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”
― Oscar Wilde 

Of course, there are exceptions like Sachin Tendulkar or Aamir Khan who left their studies and have achieved greatness in their respective fields, but what would they have been doing today if their careers had failed to take off? One always needs a backup, and education in whatever field, at any age, is never a waste. If Shahrukh Khan hadn't made it as an actor, he'd probably have been a high profile economist somewhere! (Yes, SRK has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics!)

So always realise what your education has given you. You have the power to read, to write and as they say, there's no end to knowledge. It could be a writing course, an acting course, business school or even a cookery class. Learn new things, get educated. I have a high school education, a bachelor's degree and will soon receive my post graduate diploma. And each time I finish a course or graduate a year I feel empowered and proud of the fact that I know a little more than I did before. Yes, "life is the greatest teacher" and all that, but then why would so many people be fighting for the Right To Education and the right for children and women to receive an education? It's because of the power you get from that pen you hold in your hand, from that slate you learned to write your alphabets on. 

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”
― Nelson Mandela  

Next time you think taking that course was a mistake, or your school was horrible, remember those millions of people who don't have access to either. Imagine the power of education- Young Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head just because she expressed a wish for girls to be educated. 

I taught English and Math for a year at Akanksha, an NGO that is involved in the education of underprivileged children and thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent there. Being able to teach someone is a most wonderful feeling, and I'd love to do it again. The joy you see on that little one's face on getting a 10/10 or a star in his notebook is incomparable to anything else. 

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
― Socrates

So never forget the power you have as you read that book or pick up that pen to write. And if you're really going to quote the Pink Floyd song, you should remember that if the lyricist paid attention in class he'd know that a double negative (don't need no education) is incorrect grammar! :P 

 “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree.

 You may think of it as the ticket to the good life.

 Let me ask you to think of an alternative.

 Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”
― Tom Brokaw

Quotes courtesy: www.goodreads.com