Education refers to imparting knowledge while developing independent thinking. In order to use education as a means to promote tolerance, it is important that it should train individuals to be open to other’s point of view, no matter how insignificant it may seem to be.

The present education system prevailing at most places focuses on giving knowledge mainly related to an individual’s day-to-day needs in addition to specialised professional training.

The existing education system does not provide much provision for individuals to critically compare approaches on issues, especially on the ones considered disputed, and to develop their own individual vision after questioning what they think other than the areas of their own profession. Life generally becomes too busy and competitive once they start pursuing their career.

Whereas in rural areas, especially in the developing countries, most of the people do not have the required training to develop independent critical opinions on different issues. Most of them also do not have access to authentic literature required to do comparative studies before reaching any conclusions.

Most of the people generally believe what they hear and what they read. In certain instances the dispersion of education itself can promote intolerance especially in the case when it is done without due care and responsibility.

The present education system emphasises on quality training in specialised areas with an additional objective for individuals to learn how to be placed to earn in the best way they can. This all enables them to fulfill the needs of the competitive life that they have been spending.

The question is where to start to make education an important means to promote tolerance. There is definitely a need for long-term planning. Little can be done by taking a few measures.

It may be a good idea to give everyone access to authentic literature on general topics, especially in the area where generally they have different and contrasting opinions and provide them a forum where they can exchange their views with other people, preferably from all over the globe. This knowledge enriched practice would not only help people understand others’ point of view but would also help review themselves and appreciate and own others as they are.

This is very much possible by using information technology and the media as a potential means to achieve the target to develop respect and tolerance by access to authentic literature and set up a forum for discussion by involving everyone who may be interested in participation.

This approach does not deny the significance of participation by the experts of related fields in the discussion but it would help every individual build his or her independent point of view in the presence of a proper guidance rather than completely and blindly relying on others.

Making travelling cheaper and encouraging students to receive education a little away from their place of residence can be another way to promote mutual tolerance. This also helps in developing patience that is extremely important for living a quality life and also to continue with the learning process. While travelling and going to study at some far-off place, an individual gets an opportunity to interact with people having very different perceptions and to learn and build relationships with them.

In addition to launching general awareness programmes, workshops on different topics, catering different points of view, should be arranged and parents and teachers may be encouraged to participate in them.

It is after all the parents and teachers who train young people. They should help increase their knowledge, make their thinking and self-assessment process independent and develop in them a sense of sharing responsibility with care.

Many existing education systems operate on a take it or leave it basis. What is missing there is the training to create a belief that there is always some bad in good and good in bad.

For a more healthy living future, it is important to disperse education with an objective that covers education for all while accommodating and owning all.

The writer is assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi.

faizaabdurrub@hotmail.com