“Education is the seed; economy is the fruit”- President Pranab Mukherjee

 Commentary by: Jai Birdi, Executive Director,Chetna Association of Canada-15/08/2012

 President Mukherjee’s address delivered to the Indian Nation on the eve of 66th independence provided a clear vision for the administration to focus on: education, particularly for the younger generation who is thirsty for knowledge and has high aspirations.

 “Education is the seed; economy is the fruit…Provide good education; disease, hunger and poverty will recede”, said Mukherjee.

 The above sentiments are very powerful to eradicate poverty, injustice, terrorism, and illiteracy.  While these may be highly ambitious statements, this is exactly what is expected of highly effective leaders and states-people: to provide the vision that inspires and challenges the masses.  Realizing this vision is certainly not impossible.

 When one looks at the improvements in India’s literacy rates since it became independent, it is easier to see the “half glass full”, an expression President Mukherjee used in his address to display his sense of optimism.  According to census of 2011, India’s literacy rate rose to 74.04 percent, an increase of 9.2 percent since the previous census of 2001.  In ten states and union territories, the rate is now even higher than the target of 85 percent set by the Planning Commission. 

 Education is indeed a priority- and it should be made within reach of all Indians. However, with pressures from globalization and privatization, making education accessible to all will indeed be a monumental task. To achieve this vision, India will need to find more effective ways to foster stronger partnerships between Indian corporations, multi-national corporations, and community organizations to find innovative solutions and facilitate dialogues. Some of this is already happening as evidenced by reports produced by both FICCI (The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and DICCI (Dalit Chamber of Commerce and Industries). When Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata attended DICCI conference in Delhi last year and showed his support to Dalit enterprises, it sent a very positive signal that all segments of India are now serious with supporting India’s Inclusion agenda – an agenda that will rely on the effectiveness of India’s institutions that are mandated to provide education to all.

 The primary and the foremost important pillar for achieving President Mukherjee’s dream is indeed education: “All for knowledge and knowledge for all”. It is also consistent with Dr. Ambedkar’s mantra for social transformation when he listed education as a first stage- which are followed by organization and agitation.

 Talking about Dr. Ambedkar – the results of CNN/IBN survey are now in and Indians have chosen Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar as the Greatest Indian! Hats off to Dr. Ambedkar!  This is  truly a wonderful recognition and gift to one of India’s Greatest Sons, and thanks to all who voted for this recognition.

 Congratulations to all on India’s 66^th Independence Day!