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When we speak of *education*, the first image that often comes to mind is of a degree holder — someone who has completed formal studies and earned certificates. But is that the true meaning of education, or are we simply confusing it with literacy?

I recall a memory from my childhood that has stayed with me. I was in the third grade when our school welcomed a new teacher. She was knowledgeable, admired, and someone who noticed me for being more observant than most of my classmates. One day, after I bunked school to play *gilli-danda*, she caught me and asked me to accompany her to her residence. Nervous and unsure of her intention, I followed silently.

To my surprise, she welcomed me with a smile, offered me snacks, and then placed before me a book, a notebook, and a pen. She asked me to write a poem about education. Hesitant but obedient, I wrote:

> Education is the foundation of a civilized society.

> It helps us know our history.

> Education gives us an edge to live a sustainable life…”

She read it, nodded, and then gently explained:

1. Education means living a life with dignity.

2. Education means allowing others to live with dignity and choice.

3. Education means knowing the world, not just reading books.

4. Education is not limited to acquiring degrees.

5. Education reflects in the values we uphold and the standard of life we create.

That day, I realized that literacy and education are not the same.

A literate person can read, write, and argue with logic. Literacy gives us knowledge and skills. But an educated person embodies values such as empathy, fairness, respect, and the ability to question injustice. Literacy may open doors to jobs, but education opens minds to wisdom.

This distinction raises some uncomfortable questions:

* If we are truly educated, why does our society still suffer from inequality and disparity?

* If we are educated, why do divisions of caste, class, gender, and religion continue to persist?

* If we are educated, why do we ignore the very lessons of logic and reason, and instead surrender to blind beliefs with no reference or relevance?

The truth is, literacy builds capability, but education builds character. Literacy fills minds with information, but education shapes those minds into instruments of justice, humanity, and progress.

As a society, perhaps we need to shift our concern from asking *“How many are literate?”* to asking *“How many are truly educated?”* Only then can we claim to be a civilized society in its truest sense.

By –

Sidheswar Jena-PhD (Law) Scholar