Essay on Literacy and Education for Class 10, 12, Mains Exam (UPSC, PSC, SSC)
Introduction: “Literacy is not the end of education nor even the beginning”- Mahatma Gandhi. This implies that education is the process of knowledge acquisition whereas literacy refers to the ability to read and write. So, the ability to read and write cannot possibly cover the vast area of education. Education is a process that continues throughout the life of a man. But literacy come to a stop after a certain age in life, when one becomes a pro in reading and writing. Literacy learning demands practice and this occurs in life from the age of 5 years to 15 years. A person who is capable of reading and writing is called literate but he can be called educated when the knowledge acquired by him will be reflected in his activity.
Concept of literacy: Literacy is the first step towards learning. The ability to read and write is termed as literacy. Literacy is also the ability, readiness and confidence to indulge with language to obtain, build, and communicate meaning in various aspects of daily life.It has the power to bring about changes in a person’s life. A literate person can have access to the rights whereas the illiterate ones are befooled and are deprived of those rights. For this reason, the government of India has introduced the Right to Education Act in the year 2009 (RTE,2009).
Concept of education: The word education is derived from the Latin word “educatum” which means to bring out the inside to the outside. This implies bringing out the best in human beings- spirit, body and mind. Education is a lifelong process of knowledge acquisition, skill development and personality development. It is a dynamic process that makes human beings humane and civilized. It helps to transform man into a spiritual being by modifying his behavior. It also imbibes the process of teaching, instructing and teaching.
Differences between literacy and education: The concept of education must not be confused with that of literacy. There are few grounds on which literacy differs from education. These are distinguished below:
Area of difference |
Literacy |
Education |
1.Definition
2.Function
3. Nature of lasting |
Literacy is defined as a person’s ability to read and write.
Literacy cannot make a man wiser and instill the values of humanity in him.
Literacy is not long lasting in nature. It can be forgotten. |
Education implies the overall development of human being in terms of knowledge acquisition, skill development and personality development.
Education enables a man to discriminate between what is right and what is wrong.
Education can never be forgotten. The values acquired by educations remains in us till the last day of our life. |
Government steps to promote education and literacy in India: The constitution of India and the Directive Principles of State Policy enumerated acts and article to encourage education in India. Article 45 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states free and compulsory primary education till the age of 14 years. It also stated that education should be provided for the minorities and the weaker sections of the society. The Indian constitution under the freedom of rights introduced the Right to Education Act in 2009. The RTE act states education to be a fundamental right for every child from the age of 6-14 years. Saakshar Bharat was formulated by the Indian government in 2009. Its aim was to reduce the male female gap pf literacy, encourage women literacy and achieve 80% literacy by 2012.Beti bachao Beti padhao was a campaign initiated by the Indian Government to increase welfare services for girl child, abolition of female foeticide and educate girl child. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan encourages education atprimary level and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan encourages education at elementary level.
Conclusion: To conclude we can say that literacy is the steeping stone towards achieving education. Hence. Literacy is a part of education. Literacy is an essential parameter to measure the education level in the nation. A literate man should possess the values of education. The Indian government has come a long way in educating the masses by launching various campaigns and implementing it. The literacy level has immensely increased in the last few years. Literacy and education are interrelated, literacy bereft of education is unworthy.
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