Bhopla,29 June:The President Smt Pratibha Patil has said that education plays the most important role in nation building. It can transform the lives of the poor and resouceless families. It is education that grooms worthy and dedicated citizens.
Smt.Patil was addressing inaugurating the new building of Bhoj (Open) University here today. The Governor Dr. Balram Jakhar, the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Shri Devi Singh were especially present on the occasion.The President stressed the need for imparting knowledge and skill to the youths to enable them to get employment. In this age of technology there is need for more and more educated and well-trained personnel. Our universities, especially open universities can play an important role in this by providing latest technology based education. This calls for serious effort. Private and commercial sectors expect the universities to produce young manpower to meet their requirements, she added.
Referring to the achievements of the country in education sector since Independence Smt. Patil said that education has produced such a talented human capital in the country that is taking the country forward in every field. The country is playing a pioneering role in world economy and IT sector.
The President said that the 11th Five Year Plan has attached highest importance to higher education as part of the efforts to achieve inclusive growth. Laying special stress on women education she said that women living in far-off areas might be educated through distance education, thereby integrating them with development process.
The President underlined the expansion of distance education over the years in the country and said that it is playing a very important role in spread of education in rural areas. She stressed the need for extending the higher education network to backward, rural and far-flung areas. She said that network should be established with less equipped institutions in rural areas to share knowledge with them. Besides, there is need for introducing job-oriented vocational courses for rural populace.
Emphasizing the need for greater attention to distant education she said that latest technologies should be made the best use of in imparting education and training.
The President called upon the students to realize their full potential and contribute their mite in nation building.The Governor Dr. Balram Jakhar said that education refines man and creates a sense of responsibility towards society, country and the globe. He said that the government and society should make united efforts to check commercialization of education.
The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh would log lag behind in making its contribution to make India a highly educated nation. The state government is discharging its responsibilities with regard to education with utmost sincerity. The efforts to improve quality of higher education would continue. For this, initiative has been taken for an independent commission on education. Government alone cannot promote education without active support of society. He said that the Private University Bill has been brought in the state to increase role of society in education.
The Minister for Higher Education Shri Anup Mishra referred to the commercialization of education and politicization of the campus and said that efforts should be made to put an end to this. He urged the President for an initiative for a new policy on education at national level.
Earlier, the President and other guests lighted the ceremonial lamp. The President dedicated the building by pressing the remote control button. Dr. Balram Jakhar presented memento tot the President. Vice Chancellor of the Bhoj (Open) University Dr. Kamlakar Singh delivered the welcome address and Registrar proposed a vote of thanks.