Renowned spiritual scholar (Late) Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi in one of his books mentioned, “Society in which a person is raised and comes of age becomes their belief—and that belief ascends to the rank of absolute conviction, even though it may be nothing more than an illusion.”
This powerful thought reveals a major issue in our society today: the kind of social training we receive growing up becomes such a strong part of us that it shapes the way we think and behave — sometimes even more than our education.
Take a look around you — can you always tell the difference between someone who is educated and someone who isn’t?
Surprisingly, many times their behavior, manners, and thinking seem quite similar.
This raises a serious question: Is education only about getting a degree, or should it also build character, expand minds, and create socially aware individuals?
Across the world, education is seen as a tool for changing societies for the better.
But sadly, our educational institutions from elementary to tertiary level seem to be failing in this mission.
Instead of being places that inspire new ideas and thoughtful discussion, many of our educational= institutions have become certificate-distributing factories.
Let’s go back to colonial times.
The British education system wasn’t just about books — it trained people to think in a certain way.
Their influence on young minds was so deep that even today, we still carry its effects.
That’s how powerful upbringing can be when tied to education.
Now, if we look at our current education system, we see a serious disconnect.
Our educational institutions from elementary to tertiary level don’t seem to focus on the everyday problems of our society.
They give knowledge, but not always wisdom or awareness.
Students aren’t taught how to understand or solve the real issues in their communities.
They aren’t even encouraged to question things.
As a result, they grow up valuing local customs and pressures more than the principles and values their education should offer.
Another important question is: Have we made our educational environments attractive enough that students feel proud to be part of them?
Education should do more than fill minds — it should shape personalities, inspire creativity, and promote independent thinking.
But in many institutions, teachers are treated as syllabus completers instead of mentors.
Healthy discussion, freedom of thought, and respect for different ideas are missing.
Without this kind of environment, how can our students become active members of society?
One powerful solution is to encourage people — truly and meaningfully.
Encouragement is like moral fuel.
It builds self-confidence, curiosity, and a desire for positive change.
When teachers support students, celebrate small victories, and allow space for questions and mistakes, something magical happens: education starts to truly work.
Research sup-ports this.
According to Ryan & Amp; Deci (2000), motivation and encouragement play a big role in learning and personal growth.
In our case, the lack of encouragement may be one of the main reasons students don’t engage deeply with their education.
We need to realize that education is more than memorizing facts — it is a way of thinking, acting, and living.
Until we build educational institutes environments that are welcoming, thoughtful and motivating, the social training people receive outside will keep becoming their faith.
It’s time to make our institutions more than just exam centers.
Let’s turn them into places where awareness grows, personalities develop, and thinking is free.
Teachers must go beyond teaching facts — they must guide, support, and encourage.
Only then can we raise a generation that values merit over favoritism, talent over manipulation and independent thinking over blind imitation.
That’s when education will become the starting point of a true social revolution.
—The writer is a distinguished educationalist with over 35 years of experience in teacher training, curriculum development and educational assessment.
