Education: Equal & Essential

Start point of the Race is not the same for everyone.
But equipped with this, you can run faster, my son.
Making up for the initial disadvantage,
Closing the gap, as you grow older in age.

Encouraging you to be scientific, curious and question accepted beliefs.
Empowering you to topple status quo preserved by those chiefs.

Don’t let anyone deny you this fundamental right:
You will soon discover it’s difficult to shut out the light.

On this long and arduous journey: distractions there will be many.
Build a laser sharp focus to prevent falling prey to any.

For tomorrow you will be better off with this.
Laughing at whoever said ‘Ignorance is Bliss’.

In a war torn country not far from mine:
A 15 year old girl took a bullet for not falling in line.
Miraculously she survived to continue the Fight:
For millions of girls to exercise this Right.

‘There is no age to learning’s maybe a popular saying.
But there is also the axiom: ‘There is no use in delaying’.

It’s the most precious jewel you can own,
And the best part is: it can’t be stolen.

Hope you got a glimpse of the Great Equalizer.
If yes, then whose invitation is awaited further?

Read and write as much as you can, ace the examination.
Don’t become too wary of gimmicks necessary.
Be patient and brave, for you have the world to save.

When the Great Equalizer is within your reach:
An egalitarian society would remain confined no more to mere speech.

(Note on the poetry: The idea of education being the Great Equalizer is attributed to quotes from Horace Mann and Kofi Annan.

“Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance- wheel of the social machinery.”- Horace Mann

“Education is the greatest equalizer of our time. It gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for those without…” Kofi Annan)

(Gayathri describes herself as a combination of Passion, Optimism and Perseverance (POP). She completed the Piramal-Gandhi Fellowship where she imparted leadership training to govt. school headmasters. Later she studied for a dual degree from University of Oxford: MSc Social Policy & MBA. She is presently working for PwC India. Having experienced the first hand benefits of an effective education, she believes education is the key to an equal and meritocratic world order.)