Dr Rabindranath Tagore said that education played an important role in building a strong nation. Do you agree?

Education is meant to enlighten human lives. To become educated is to learn to become a person, and to act like a human being. It is basically a process which students develop, with an aim to prepare one for the involvement in future society. Dr Rabindranath Tagore said that education plays an important role in building a strong nation. I fully agree.

In common parlance education is regarded as synonymous with school instruction. But it is not so accurate. Schooling is just one part of the whole process of education. So, what did education meant to Tagore? He said that the highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. However he found that this kind of education of sympathy is not only systematically ignored in schools, but also severely repressed. Education has its only meaning and objects on freedom. He emphasizes on harmony balance between materialism and spiritualism in total development of personality in education. He stresses on a complete education, which would provide learning opportunities where there is a communion between man and nature, between teacher and the student and so on.

Now that we have known what education meant to Tagore, we must explore how it plays a substantial role in the process of building a strong nation. As Mosibudi Mangena said, the concept of building implies a process in which there is systematic planning, gathering of required material and hard work to erect the designed structure. When you build a house you do not expect to finish it in one day and occupy it the same day, nation building is one slow but essential process to become a strong nation.

The impact of education on the countrys economic growth is well documented. A 2005 report by an Australian body concluded that increasing the participation rate in education increased productivity, wage rates and rate of participation in better paid jobs. This results an increase in GDP by 1.1% in a generation by increasing participation by about ten percent. Education is an investment, one that thankfully governments are willing to make even though worthless from a capitalists point of view. An IMF study in June 2005 determined that the impact of an increase in spending on education is immediate. It was found that about two-thirds of the direct effect of investment in education is realized within the first five years. For example, the effect of an increased expenditure in education by 1 percentage point of GDP is associated with an increase in the gross enrolment index of 6 percentage points within a five-year period. A robust economy is a step towards a strong nation.

Having a country consisting of people that are assured of their identity and unafraid of others is already well on the road to building a nation. Through education, students are imparted with a sense of belonging to the country. A deep understanding of the efforts of all ethnic backgrounds in the development of the country aids in the understanding of the benefits to be gained by future co-operation and the reinforcement of the elements of identity which are common. Educating students of our countrys history and cultures is significant in cultivating tolerance among society, especially in a multi-racial one like Malaysias. Being patriotic citizens, one is more likely to be willing make a contribution to the nation one loves.

Why does education seem so important? This is because, without it, the whole nation will be put at risk. Uneducated people cannot take on professional duties, therefore forcing the country to import foreign labour. Without it, we have no means of gaining knowledge, and in this age of information, knowledge is power. Without it, we will not be taught the civilized manners of people and proper ethics. Education forms a support system for us to excel in life, to continuously learn and build confidence.

Education is food for the mind. Without it, creative and productive ideas will not be churned out on a consistent basis. The maximum potential of a country cannot be reached without education. With education, steps that tend towards a stronger nation can be taken, starting from healthy economy and secure citizens.