Education means bringing out of Universal validity which are latest in the mind of every man- Socrates
Thejaneinuo Chadi
As we all know that, every human being needs oxygen to survive in the world. So likewise, education is as important as this because education gives people the knowledge and skills they require. It is important to people of all ages and it has no limit. Education gives us knowledge of the world around us and it is through it that helps us in building our opinions and views on things in life. Knowledge and skills can be acquired through books, practical experience or through instructions. We must give importance to the education than the other targets of life as it is considered to be the only source of real happiness in one’s life. Knowledge gained throughout the educational period enables each and every individual to become more confident in life. It is a must for both men and women equally as both together makes a healthy and an educated society. Through education, one is able to become a good learner and also understand every aspects of life such us human rights, social rights, duties and responsibilities towards the society. So, education itself is a tool which can make every impossible thing possible in life, society and nation. Education of Women is also needed in order to increase the socio-economic status of women in the society. By imparting education to the women it will also encourage them to come out of their conservative nature and play an active role in promoting their position. Nerhema Village is a typical Angami Naga village which is 23 kms away from Kohima village and located towards the North on NH 61. The village was believed to have established sometime in 1300 AD. The literacy rate of women is 83.09% and male is 89.14%. Total number of households are 310 as per 2011 census and rely on the total population of 1678 people, among them 822 are males and 856 are females according to 2011 census.
Education has multiple benefits and it has also benefited the people of Nerhema Village in general and women in particular. Better education is necessary for all to go ahead in life. The whole educational system has been divided into different dimensions such as Primary education, Secondary education, Higher Secondary Education and College level education. All these divisions have their own importance and benefits. During the traditional times, in Nerhema Village education was not given much importance. Neither was there no proper schools, colleges or institutions where one could get the knowledge. Out of 100%, only 2-3% are considered to have education. The villagers in general would sit together in a place called Dahou where the elders would teach them. The eldest person in the village will take turns to teach the people in the village. And that’s how they got education during the traditional olden days. But later with the coming of Britishers in Nerhema, the Britishers learnt ‘Tenyidie’ and taught the villagers and that was how they learnt the basic necessities of life. The Britishers allowed them to study only till class 6 because they do not want them to become more educated than them.
Apart from not having schools, colleges, institutions and not proper infrastructure, they do not even have books to read. No library stores were even there where they could get the latest information about things that is happening around the world. But slowly and gradually some books are now sold in some nearby shops and stationeries where people can easily get accessed to it and also update themselves regarding the latest news and information. Back then those who wanted to read would go to Jorhat Assam to buy books. The first school established was an LP school till class 4, where Mr Thekrusalie Chadi was the first educationist in 1936. Also the first lady educationalist (Government teacher) was Mrs. Kevisi-u Ziephrii in 1949.The first L.L.M (Masters of Law) was Mrs Visevono in 1996. Lt Capt Neikezhakuo Kengiiriisie was the 1st Maha Vir Chakhra (MVC). He is known all over the village and world and is considered to be a very renowned person. And it is also known that only the God’s chosen people are considered to be wisest of all, while all knowledge are higher in terms of books today.
Educational objectives related to gaining ability, a skill, knowledge, new attitudes, rather than merely completing a given task. Some of the basic objectives of Education are giving the ability to judge what is right and wrong, giving the different sources of earning; giving social status and making men become more modern.
Nerhema village being an agricultural society they are mostly engaged in agricultural activities so they hardly get time to even go to school to get Education. Predominantly living in a rural society, the villagers faces problems like the lack of school enrolments, more drop outs and lack of bookstores or library.
As a result of the efforts being made by the central and state governments, 94% of the population have primary schools and 85% of the rural inhabitants have upper primary schools. It is known that there are 2 middle schools, one high school, 2 primary schools (government), one private school and one college. With the advancements of modern technology and globalisation everything seems to be changed and transformed as seen during the traditional times and now. Many people in general and female in particular have been educated in various fields and even goes to the extent of studying abroad to pursue higher education in different courses. Thus, it is also known that without the pursuit of education any society cannot change nor get any better advancement but when one is educated, one can understand about the basic objectives and necessities of life and have a mind-set of changing the society as a whole and can bring major progress in anything and everything they do. Without education, we might even not be able to know the things going in and around the society and will still be like the early man not knowing anything about the latest information. And also with the coming of education, it has also let people to change their ways of life, thinking and working system. So, education is considered as one of the most important aspect where one can bring change in the society through their knowledge and understanding.
The writer is an Assistant Professor in Department of Sociology, SJC (A).
