Essays

Education functions in relation to the whole social Milieu. Thus its activities cannot be limited to providing only background knowledge by way of formal knowledge Alone. The open school and new-school education constitute an essential part of total education. In a developing Country like India, even keen and deserving young boys and girls and young men and women are unable to get School collage or professional education owing to economic and social reasons.

The idea of adult education was thus conceived to supplement formal schooling by independent endeavour In later years of life. The problem is engaging the Attention of large number of countries. It includes the Different needs and objectives of people—educational, Economic social and cultural. The Adult Education  Committee  of Great Britain defines adult education to  Cover all the  deliberate efforts through which men and  Women attempt  to satisfy their quest for knowledge to  Equip themselves for responsibilities as citizens and find  Chances for  self expression.

The American Association for Adult Education mentions that the  aim of adult education is to inspire grown-ups  to be  something more. At its best it leads to richness of life, appreciation of what life offers, great satisfaction in use of mind and body and better understanding of rights and duties In Denmark, adult education means "for school”. In sum, it is a help to man and woman to grow by themselves in life by acquiring knowledge and understanding new skills and attitudes. It is a voluntary work channeling the energy of the people after formal school to creative work. Russia now has cent per cent literacy.

The Open School in New Delhi is doing yeoman service in this context at the secondary and senior secondary level. So does the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi that is not only offering academic and professional courses to Indians but is also having international collaboration for benefit of pupils from other countries.

Maharashtra's experiment called Gram Shiksan Mohim is very worthwhile. The campaign does not depend on government rather it functions on its own. Before putting the scheme into operation, the enthusiasm of the entire village is aroused, their consent is obtained beforehand and then responsibility is entrusted to the people themselves.

Hurdles like penalty of finances and lack of enthusiasm are overcome in this way. After achieving cent per cent literacy in the village, it is extended to a taluka, and then on to the district. The Mohim has three objectives eradicating illiteracy from adult population, providing the follow-up programmes, and bringing about all-round development in the village. The scheme which is low-cost won the Unesco Pahlavi Prize for meritorious work in achieving cent per cent literacy. Other states like UP, Rajasthan, MP, to mention a few, are following their adult literacy programmes and the results are encouraging.

Literacy in India is essential for keeping democracy alive. The entire population cannot actively participate in the country's political life till literacy is there. Literary is a precursor to individual growth to give expression to inner urges for better social status, improved citizenship and enriched life.