KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

          In the present age of information technology, power does not flow through the barrel of a gun. It is knowledge that is real power. In fact, it is through the power that knowledge has given us that man has reached the present stage of civilization, development and progress. Without the power of knowledge man would still be in the primitive stage that he was thousands of years ago. Knowledge and its right use have enabled us to reach space and explore it today. Knowledge has been instrumental in man’s landing on the moon apart from other advances in science and technology.

       Knowledge is an invaluable weapon in the hands of the man. It distinguishes him from other animals that inhabit this Planet. Knowledge is an asset peculiar to homo sapiens only.

       But an indiscriminate use of this knowledge has also led to several wars because we have not been able to use the knowledge that we have acquired judiciously. In some cases, this knowledge has done more harm than good to mankind. What is, therefore, required is the use of knowledge for the betterment of our lives and improving the lot of human beings on Earth, for knowledge in itself is neutral. It is the use to which it is put that is more important. It should not be merely information. It should enable us to distinguish between what is good and what is bad. Knowledge should not be used merely to attain our selfish ends; it should enable us to work for the general good. In the right hands, knowledge can do wonders and make this world a happier and healthier place for mankind to live in.

      It is the foremost duty and responsibility of the teachers and the elders in society to impart the right kind of knowledge to students during school days so that knowledge is not employed towards destructive ends later. With the treasure house of knowledge in various fields at our disposal today, it should be easy to train and guide the students in the right and proper use of knowledge for their own good as well as in the larger interests of the society and the country. When this is done, knowledge will really become power in our hands.