Importance of education has been reprised over by scholars, thinkers, social activists, teachers, leaders and every other being. Ancient philosophers like Aristotle too emphasized on importance of mass education for better governance as better thinking and learned community can make a better living in the future.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
Nothing can better emphasize on importance of education than the words mentioned above. All great leaders of all time had focused on educating the society in order to achieve greater goals. A society that can think clearly and enjoys free dissemination of information can only bring positive changes that will lead us to sustainable lifestyle.
As we are making conscious efforts towards self sustainability and to preserve some portion of fast depleting earth resources, education becomes our most powerful tool. Education should be directed towards social growth of students.
“All education must be environmental, teaching students that they are not separate from nature, but an inherent piece of the pattern of life on Earth.” Education, as asserted by David Orr, professor of Environmental Studies and Politics and thinker, attaches us more with nature and makes us more responsible towards it. Rising concerns on environmental issues make his words more contemporary.
Corporate social responsibility that focuses on corporate sustainability as a part of greater society has risen in importance over the years. More corporations now are taking part in making more responsible choice and participating in overall welfare program of the society.
Government’s proposal to corporations to spend a minimum of 2% of profit, post tax, on social welfare is a sign of more concise approach to help businesses realize their duties towards greater society of which they make a part.
Educational initiatives as a part of corporate sustainability programs are focused on improving educational infrastructure and rate amongst rural and urban underprivileged areas. The areas targeted are – promotion of education, building educational infrastructure, building teaching capacity, and pertaining education through volunteer programs.
CSR initiatives in improving educational scenario of the country are one positive approach. But corporate needs constant support and encouragement from government policies. Good policies can work as catalyst in encouraging businesses in aligning them more towards comprehensive sustainability.
The idea of social responsibility can’t be imposed on corporate but a hospitable ground should be offered that will allow corporate to consider long term and overall benefits of taking such steps. Corporate sustainability is not just the job of corporate but there should be encouragement from every stratum of the society focused towards a single goal, i.e. to make the world a better place to live.