You might have come across the below quotes from renowned personalities: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom”, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” “Education is the movement from darkness to light”, “ An investment in Knowledge pays the best interest”. These are some of the well-known quotes quoted by Nelson Mandela, George Washington Carver, William Butler Yeats, Allan Bloom, and Benjamin Franklin. All the above men lived in different eras, but they had a profound understanding of the importance of education in common.

Getting a decent education in the bygone era was much tougher than today. Formal schools were very scarce. People in the wealthy family would hire tutors to get educated. Rest others would informally educate themselves or through apprenticeships and religious institutions. Even if they were aware of the importance of education, they were able to access only basic knowledge that they could. In some places, especially rural areas only the privileged class had access to education. The people in poverty even if there was a chance to access education could not afford learning materials or textbooks. The education system was so rigid its teaching methods did not have space for creativity, or critical thinking. It was mostly rooted in memorization and strict discipline methods which did not suit all types of learners.

It was only much later in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries there was a rise in public education systems and education became much more accessible. However social barriers and limited resources remained a challenge.

We in the 21st Century are lucky enough to have the best access to education and are blessed to have parents who are well aware of the importance of education. We have access to the vast knowledge at our fingertips due to the access to the internet. Educational opportunities in our times are diverse; Alongside Traditional colleges and Universities, we have the opportunity to choose Vocational schools, online programs, and certificate courses. There are technological advancements in education with interactive tools, simulations, and educational apps that give additional boost to learners.

Hence education is a fundamental right of all citizens. It is important on personal as well as societal levels. When someone is educated they feel empowered. Because they will have knowledge and skills that will result in informed decisions, solve critical problems, and help to navigate the world. The higher the education, the greater the career opportunities. Education also fosters intellectual curiosity and love for learning in individuals.

A society gets a positive transformation if it is aware of the importance of education. People with great educational backgrounds will have a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the country they will take active participation in civic duties and hold the governing bodies accountable. With greater education economic development also flourishes. Education always promotes tolerance among the members of society. It also makes the citizens literate and sensitive enough to address global issues such as climate change, poverty, and diseases.

In conclusion, the importance of education cannot be overstated. Because education shapes our life, personality, lifestyle and guides us toward the career we aspire to. On the societal level, education is not just responsible for the great reforms in society it has also become the cornerstone of democracy and a robust economy. Someone knowledgeable once said to invest in education, because you are also investing in your future. Let us be lifelong learners and contribute our fair share to the ocean of knowledge.