Page 7 - Montfort Magazine 21-22

Message Middle Section

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"
- Nelson Mandela

Education forms the foundation of any society. It is responsible for the economic, social, and
political growth and development of society in general. The thread of the growth of society
depends upon the quality of education that is being imparted. So, schools play an important role
in moulding a nation’s future by facilitating all round development of its future citizens.
“A school is a building surrounded by four walls with the future inside”. It is a social institution
that reflects the standard of the society. A school plays a greater role in changing the society
and its people in the sphere of academic, social, economic, mental and physical development.
Hence it may be termed as a pious and sacred social institution. One step ahead, it ignites the
young minds and moulds the pupils to be good citizens as well as good leaders of the nation.
Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India who was known for his interaction with
young children at every opportunity that came his way would always use his pet phrase “Ignite
your Minds”. The mind he would say is an enormous source of ideas. But these ideas to emerge
from the minds, the students have to be trained to think logically. In the end process, the ideas
go a long way in building up a strong and prosperous nation. The ignited minds of the youth are
the most powerful resource on the Earth. The power of the youth, if properly directed, will bring
about transformed humanity by meeting its challenges and bring peace and prosperity. Being
a scientist of the highest order Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam knew that the future destiny of our nation is
being shaped in the class room. The late Prime minister of India Sri Rajiv Gandhi while speaking
about education once said “Education must be a development of mind, the development of the
personality and the development of the individual. Secondary are the skills and income earning
capabilities, because, if we are able to develop the human beings, we will be able to develop
the individuals and skills”. Perhaps this is what every educator must keep in mind while being
engaged in classroom teaching.
So it is of utmost importance that the educators equip themselves with skills and teaching methods
which are relevant to the changing times in order to build our nation into a superpower in the
world. Today what our nation needs is not so much the ‘Intellectual Giants’ rather men and
women who are fully human. Men and women whose lives are inspired and guided by values
like honesty, truth , justice, equality, love for the poor and the oppressed, spirit of service and
sacrifice, respect for all religion and above all messengers of forgiveness and peace.
We need leaders with ethics and leadership qualities for the 21st century. Therefore, as educators
who still ignite the young minds let us educate them with character and competence to build a
civilization of Love.

With Warm Wishes and God’s Blessings

Sr. Sherly Joseph

Souvenir 2020-21 | 7