A yearning for learning!

This poem, written in February 2011, was inspired by the speeches of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

His Highness Aga Khan IV

Teach not languages;

Teach not sciences;

Teach not the arts and crafts.

Teach them instead to question and learn;

And, in them, let the passion burn.

Then nurture that passion at every turn...

Lets develop in them the yearn to learn!

...And let that learning be fearless and bold;

To dig out the stories as yet untold,

To celebrate the traditions and cultures old,

To enable and watch a vision unfold!

... Learning seeped in human values,

For grounded views and ethical news!

... Learning that nurtures creativity,

To ideate and innovate, yet maintain humility!

... Learning that ignites the spark,

That inspires others out of the dark!

...And let that learning a generation breed,

That breaks the barriers of gender, age and creed!

... Learning that does not exclude any,

In reaching out and touching the lives of many!

The future is ours, lets pave the way.

A 'yearning for learning' may yet save the day!

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This poem is dedicated to His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, as it is inspired by some quotes extracted from his speeches, as given below. 

“What students know is no longer the most important measure of the quality of education. The true test is the ability to engage with what they do not know, and to work out a solution.”

“In a fast-paced and rapidly-changing world, the ability to adapt and continue learning is an essential skill to develop in order to take advantage of emerging opportunities.”

“An education must equip students with the tools that enable them to adapt and thrive, in a world characterised by change. In such an environment, technical proficiency is not enough. Education that prepares children for life must go beyond fundamental skills to stimulate creativity, intellectual curiosity and honest inquiry.”