
The Annual Status of Education Report 2017 ‘Beyond Basics’, popularly known as ASER focused on the preparedness of youth in the age group of 14-18, with respect to their ability to lead productive lives as adults. About 1 in every 10 Indians is between the ages of 14 and 18, which amounts to about 125 million individuals. Many have completed elementary school, but lack foundational skills. India will be the youngest country in the world in the 21st century. This could be both a boon and bane. Failure to sufficiently educate and skill the young population may lead to a demographic disaster. However, soaring for the stars is no bar for a skilled and educated young population.