Democracy and mass illiteracy do not go together.
Outline.
A. Introduction:
Democracy is rule of the masses, and it will succeed only if the masses are educated.
B. Democracy and mass illiteracy follow the opposite path:
1.democracy requires honest and competent political leadership, whereas ignorant masses cannot choose the right men.
2.in an illiterate society, the masses and the rulers don not practise democratic norms and values.
3.in democracy, accountability of rulers is essential but illiterate masses cannot hold the rulers accountable.
4.ignorant masses hold regressive socio-cultural, religious views and hence, cannot promote democracy on progressive lines.
5.democracy means participation of all without any differences on the basis of caste , class , creed and gender but it does not happen in an ignorant society.
6.feudalism takes roots in an illiterate society which wrecks havoc with socio-economic, political institutions of society.
7.civilised dissent is essential for social progress and consolidation of democracy but it remains on to the backfoot in ignorant, intolerant societies.
8.illiterate and ignorant masses hinder gender equality which costs the democracy dearly.
9.weak structure of the institutions of an ignorant society cannot promote democracy in a dynamic way.
10.democracy in ignorant societies of the third world is struggling to take roots.
C. The situation in pakistan perspective:
1.democracy in pakistan is fragile due to chronic mass illiteracy.
2.strong socio-cultural, religious identities of the masses have hampered the process of creating modern, progressive democratic society.
3.feudal mindset, fostered by illiterate masses, has corrupted the national institutions.
4. The very structure of the intitutions lacks progressive outlook.
5. Women remain terribly disempowered resulting into an unequal society.
6.accountability,transparency, rule of law and adherence to human rights remain elusive
7.thus, exploitation, indiscipline, corruption and mismanagement reflects the poor performance of democracy.
D. Suggestions to ensure true democracy through education:
1. Real democracy can come to pakistan once the people's freedom, education and income increase with development.
2. Middle class can promote democracy through education
3. Women emancipation is imperative for demcratic transformation of the society.
4.media can bring awareness about education in the society.
5. The role of civil society organisation is essential in highlighting the importance of education in democracy.
E. Conclusion: