Knowledge the most powerful weapon against injustice
In the 21st century people in many countries throughout the world continue to suffer from various kinds of violence and injustice.
Some of the worst violence has been in Syria where the war still rages after six years. There have been many atrocities including accusations that forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have used chemical weapons against civilians. All the civilians in that country want is a stable life free of war.
In all these wars in different continents it is always the innocent civilians who are the victims. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzi says, poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by men and women globally.
Even where there is no war, children still suffer. In many countries, including India, among some poverty-stricken sections of the population there is still child labour. These children get no education and are often mistreated in the workplace. Also, in some countries, child marriage remains a problem and again these young people are deprived of a proper education and a decent life. So many young women throughout the world are deprived of even a basic education. They have no voice and the indifference of others ensures that nothing changes.
The most powerful weapon which can be used to make fundamental changes and improve the lot of these young people is knowledge. The only way underprivileged children can escape the cycle of poverty is through education. If they are given even basic schooling, they can be armed with knowledge which can give them a chance in life. A well-educated population is more likely to take stand against tyranny.
I do hope that as global citizens we can all strive towards a more peaceful world.