The Destiny of a Nation is Shaped in its Classrooms Proposed Title: Classrooms Shape Nations’ Destinies
In 1947, India and Pakistan started out as independent nations at the same time, yet these countries have followed markedly different trajectories despite having similar cultures, histories, and geographies. When we ponder upon the reasons for such differences, we cannot help but wonder whether one nation has performed better than the other in utilizing its human resource and directing the energies of their youth. If there is an assumption that it is possible to change the destiny of a nation by putting in efforts in certain areas, and if we are to play an active role in determining how our nation’s future shapes up, we must analyse what determines a nation’s future.
Education, be it at the primary level or at the higher level, plays a vital role in structuring the social and economic pathway for a nation, as it mentors individuals, who in turn have the agency to change things around them. However, one muse also investigate other aspects chat contribute to altering the trajectories of nations. This essay explores the idea of classrooms shaping the destinies of nations and argues that education plays a vital role in determining a nation’s destiny and must therefore be given sufficient attention. There are other factors at play as well, such as politics, governance system, and history, which should be taken into account. Before discussing the role of education in forming a country’s future, let us first examine the factors that influence the destiny of a nation.
Factors that influence the destiny of a nation.-At the outset, it is clear that the collective and dominant character of a nation’s citizens contribute significantly to its destiny. If they are able, , hardworking and creative, they can take it to great heights. Alternatively, if they are, conflict-driven, apathetic, and lazy, they can lead even the mightiest of nations to their downfall. The rise of Japan from the ruins of the Second World War is an example of the former situation. The War left Japan a weak nation after suffering a massive defeat. Thereafter, systematic investment in education, employment generation, and inculcation of patriotic outlook in the people led to the rise of this country as the second largest economy by the 1990s.
The attitudes of its citizens and socio-political systems also determine how a nation will progress. The citizens’ feelings of solidarity towards the nation and willingness to sacrifice and work hard for its betterment are further factors that build a nation. Countries that are deeply divided on the lines of religion, politics, and geography find it hard to focus on economic growth and overall development. Syria, torn due to civil war, is an example to demonstrate how lack of solidarity and harmony can ruin the fortune of a country. Ultimately, it is the citizens who have the onus of changing the fortunes of the lands they live in. Recognizing this, let us now look at how education can build a nation.
Role of education in building a nation.-Schools are the places where students learn the skills and techniques to be engineers, architects, teachers, and writers.. After being equipped with these skills, these students can later contribute to nation-building. Most of the best universities of the world like Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge are located in developed countries. These universities produce the best scientists, researchers, and engineers who are able to take their nations forward through their pioneering work. It is relevant to recognize that most of the leaders of the Indian independence movement such as Nehru, Gandhi, and Bose were well-educated and hence able to contribute to nation-building in early years. Young students learn about values such as hard work, patriotism, brotherhood, and tolerance in schools, which empower them to become able citizens who can contribute meaningfully towards the development of their nations. In ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse countries such as India, schools play a vital role as equalizers and in bringing people together. If schoolchildren are taught about working together and excelling in the fields they choose, they can be effective contributors to a nation’s success.
Furthermore, students experience socialization for the first time in school outside their immediate circle of family. They learn to solve differences among each other and acquire leadership skills. These students in turn become good or bad leaders, politicians, civil servants, professionals, and workers depending upon how their classrooms have shaped them. If schools impart the relevant training, nations will have a higher chance of getting on the trajectory of progress. Gandhiji thought of schools as places where education of the head, heart, and hands takes place. It is this education that enables children to be positive components of a society. Thus, one cannot deny the importance of schools in shaping nations’ destinies. However, should schools have all the responsibility?
Are schools the sole agents?
Parents are considered to be the first teachers of children. They mould our personality and impart values of compassion, honesty, and cleanliness at home. If a child sees their parents having a biased attitude towards people from other communities, the child may also develop similar attitudes. In India, the practices of untouchability still continue in some parts of the country despite secular schooling because children have learned it at home. Therefore, it can be argued that the destiny of nations is also shaped at homes. Some also argue that individuals have the power to shape a nation’s future and alter histories. Hitler’s example is apt in this context. Hitler developed certain biases and attitudes, which were most probably developed either at his home or in his classroom.
Apart from the factors discussed above, the historical baggage of a country, its political systems, and geopolitical considerations also play a significant role in moulding its destiny. South Korea and North Korea started out to be very similar, but today there is a sea of differences between them. h. Their destinies have clearly diverged since their separation. This difference can be attributed to the factors discussed above apart from the education system.
Consequently, it can be observed that the destiny of nations is essentially determined by its citizens, who in turn are partly a product of what they learn in classrooms. It is the attitudes, , and capabilities of the citizens that help in building the nation’s future. The values and skills that are learned in classrooms help produce able and well-qualified citizens. If classrooms provide positive reinforcement to students at a young age, it goes a long way in ensuring a progressive nation. As a result, education is paramount if we want to positively influence the destiny of our nation. Schools and universities should be such training grounds where students can develop positive attitudes towards the country, work, and each other as fellow citizens. There is also a need to improve the quality of education at all levels to make it relevant and practicable.
However, it should also be recognized that classroom teaching is not the only factor that determines a nation’s destiny. A person’s family also influences their attitudes and values. A country’s history, political system, and geopolitics also play a significant role in determining how a nation will progress. As a result, we cannot place the burden of creating a nation’s destiny solely on the education system. After actively identifying the factors that play lead roles in determining a country’s future, one has to work tirelessly to improve the quality of their contribution. This may involve democratizing a country’s politics, learning lessons from its history, and not letting geopolitics come in the way of the overall betterment of the country.
Notes
- Keywords: destiny, nation, classrooms
- You are free to argue in favour or against the assertion made in the topic title, but be sure to justify your stand with strong arguments and consider both the sides.
- Do consider classrooms of higher learning such as universities, along with schools in your essay.