EDUCATION IS THE CHIEF DEFENSE OF NATIONS

By, Sharjeel Ahmed Khan

(B.A., M.Th)

It is quite an obvious fact that nations do not rise or fall without any reason. Rather,
there are always some radical causes behind their rise and fall. Wise are the nations
who understand such causes, plan their strategy for their defense and make their own
destiny. In fact, nations are moving a head like a caravan. Any nation which becomes
stagnant is left behind and surpassed by the others.

When we give due consideration to the things which serve in the defense of nations,
we arrive at the vital factor in this regard and that is education, the chief element for
their defense.

Education has the power to transform a base metal into gold. It raises the slaves to the
rank of kings. We have a clear example of Europe in front of us. They were the people
living in the Dark Ages. The question is: How did they get entered into the Golden
Ages? When we turn the pages of history, we come to know that the key cause which
led them from the Dark Ages to the days of enlightenment and progress was nothing
but their main concern on education.

There is nothing in the world worse than ignorance and illiteracy. Therefore, we
observe that the nations which are considered the leading ones today have utilized
their due resources especially on the spread of education among their people and the
elimination of illiteracy. It is also to be taken into account that the spread of education
calls for using contemporary methods and techniques in all the fields of education.
The system and standard of education must be up to the mark. Moreover, sciences,
whether empirical or normative, must go on side by side with technology.

Education raises the level of understanding of people. It makes them civilized. It leads
them to better standard of living. It brings unity in their thought and action and
ultimately enables them to compete with other nations. On the other hand, the
negligence from the side of education opens the door of numerous problems, such as
extremism and terrorism. It brings the people to superstitions and absurdities. Hence,
it is beyond any shadow of doubt that for any nation education is the road to victory.
It is the road to salvation. It is the way to prosperity and it is the way to their ultimate
defense. How truly Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said,

"Education is a matter of life and death to our nation. The world is

moving so fast that if we do not educate ourselves, we will not only be left
behind but also will be no more"