Literacy or Education

a poem by Hiren Shah

The situation is not just a question of Literacy and Illiteracy
The issue is how to maintain our social fabric and preserve our democracy.

If degradation and decadence are to be avoided in breaking our Society.
In literacy and Education, one has to raise the issue of Propriety.

Since the manner of our functioning is bereft of values,
Literacy and Education are most in need of Continuous Reviews.

The world is moving at a furious pace
Only the right kind of Education can stall the madenning rat race.

Bees may go wild on being tempted with Honey.
Only the right Education can prevent people from running madly after Money.

Such ambitions can hardly be allowed to Nurture.
Should we not be focussing on our heritage and culture.

If the influence of westernisation has to be checked and then swept with a broom,
To remove darkness, you must bring light into you cannot take darkness out of a Room.

If we are to check the effects of blind consumerism
We need to spread cultural and spiritual education; we need to see through a new prism.

Unless something like this happens, we face consequences that can only frighten
New ways must be thought of, we must enlighten.

I may not have Quorum but I hope on one issue there is unanimity and Chorus.
I do not know to approach what forum to get across that we need to change our Focus.

Everybody knows about it, this is no Rumor.
We are suffering from a social and cultural tumor.

Without commensurate Educational, cultural and social reform.
How can any government or for that matter any institution be made to perform?

Wether the democracy is parliamentary or presidential
One has already defied Commentary, for making the other a success, Education is essential.

Unless we go back to our roots and rediscover values that at one time we used to Cherish.
There is a strong possibility that we shall all perish.

The right kind of education has to come says common sense and Intuition.
Even if it requires an amendment in the outdated constitution.

One may aim for and even achieve 100% Literacy.
It would be useless unless one is also able to sustain the culture of Meritocracy

There can hardly be two opinions about the fact that only the right kind of Education.
One day it may or may not change the world but can certainly save our Nation.