24 July : Observing that youths can play a vital role in making India one of the largest economies and the most influential nations, President Pratibha Patil on Saturday said there was a need for strong school education system.
“Stronger the foundations of school education, the greater the possibilities of progress…Our country stands at the threshold of becoming one of the largest economies as well as one of the most influential countries in the world…it is the youth, who will play a critical role in taking India to its promised destiny,” Patil said at a function to celebrate the golden jubilee founder’s day of Sainik School Kunjpura in Karnal, about 140 km from Delhi.
Emphasising on the role of schools in nation’s progress, she said, “Schools are the basic units of an educational system. Here, children spend the formative years of their life…The development of students at higher levels of education depends on the knowledge base and the value system acquired in school.”
“…the quality of education imparted in schools, determines the nation’s future. Therefore it is very necessary for schools to impart good education and make students understand the worthiness of discipline, integrity and doing their work with dedication.”
The President said an effective education system is one that responds to the challenges of its time.
“In today’s context, education should make students aware of their social and cultural milieu, so that they can contribute meaningfully to society…It should acquaint them with the marvels of science and technology… with a view to encourage them to develop a scientific temper…The education should enable the students to work intelligently and in a systematic manner,” she said.
After making primary education compulsory, the government now hope to universalise secondary education as well, she said, adding, “These are important forward movements in the school education sector.”