Nilambar Badal

Kathmandu, July 19:

A person is born a blank sheet of paper on which life and education paints their hues. One’s value can be measured by his knowledge. Education in its simplest meaning is the exposure to knowledge and wisdom in his life. Saying cheese to the camera in one’s graduation gown and hat on with the certificate in hand, is not the only objective of educating oneself. The true end of education is to try and shape one’s corner of the world into a better place. Knowledge helps one to to live. There are two kinds of educated people — the degree-holders, the other who gains knowledge. Lets call them second-handers and first-handers, respectively, as coined by Ayn Rand. Opportuniy has to be provided to the second-handers, whereas the first-handers create one for themselves. Youth is the strongest foundation of the nation. In the context of developing countries, youngsters go for higher education because they think it is necessary. They choose subjects with focusing on scoring top marks with minimum effort.

If we take examples from Nepal, we see many diploma-holding youth, but we also see a very few of them who know anything of anything beyond their subject course. This is one of the main reasons we see our youth running here and there looking for better opportunities. The other reason is lack of quality thought, which prevents them from taking the right desion.

Yet we find some youngsters who are passionate about gaining knowledge. A knowledgeable, educated youth can immediately identify what his society needs.

For example, some young Kathmanduites understood the needs of fellow youngsters, their wish to watch the latest blockbusters in an A-class hall. They identified the desire, renovated a old hall. Today this theatre is a popular destination for all Valley movie buffs. What can be learned from the story is that one can always create an opportunity if s/he can identify the needs and desires of society. If the government finds ways to finance good ideas generated by individuals, then the unemployment rate can be reduced. This kind of financing launched by the government and some INGos here at end of 2004. The project Lau na aba ta kehi garaun (Come on lets do something now) asked for ideas targeting the youth. Cash prizes were given to winning ideas. This could be a stepping stone towards youth initiatives in the development of nation. Discrimation according to profession is another hurdle. This discourages them from making a choice. If Job A is considered a respectable job, and Job B is not, then everyone goes for Job A. But everyone cannot get Job A. Someone has to do JobB.

Our youth need to learn to respect all kinds of work and dignity of labour. Performing one’s work honestly is the goal of education. Waiting for an opportunity will not help. Kn-owing the self is real education. When one learns to live, one can create opportunities.