Forever a student

Even after obtaining degrees from college and university, we should not cease to be students. The whole world is our classroom, and everyone we come into contact with can be our teacher.

We undergo formal education up to the university level to acquire knowledge and qualifications. After completing studies, we plunge into the rigmarole of earning a livelihood, getting married and raising children. Our academic qualifications help us get a job or become a professional.

Studies in school, college and university equip us with knowledge, but experiences and learnings from life give us wisdom and skills. Outside the education ecosystem, everyone is a lifelong learner. We not only learn from others' strengths but also from their weaknesses. We can learn from everyone, irrespective of their economic, social or academic status. We must be unbiased and respectful towards others. Everyone is gifted with some unique quality that we can imbibe through dignified interaction.


Most importantly, we can learn much more from young people, even those who are much younger than we are. If you are a curious and keen listener in your interactions with everyone, you will find a teacher in everyone you meet. 'Education is not an end in itself but is the first step in a progress which should continue during a lifetime,' says Caroline Pratt.