Observing that youths can play a vital role in making India one of the largest economics and the most influential nations, President Pratibha Patil today 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,” Ms. Patil said at a function to celebrate the golden jubilee founder’s day of Sainik School Kunjpura here, 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.”
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”...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.
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Stressing on the need of nurturing interest of students in a range of activities, Ms. Patil said, “This will not only promote their all round development, but also broaden their outlook... A broad set of skills will enhance their creative ability.”
On the role of teachers in shaping children, she said, “Teachers must keep themselves abreast with the latest knowledge tools, so that they can guide their students to look at useful and meaningful information sources...Teachers should encourage children to examine and analyze everyday experiences and make them search for solutions to problems.”
Describing the armed forces as the nation’s pride, Ms. Patil said she is confident that all the students of the Sainik school would work towards in the creation of a new India and will be the instruments of change, a change that will bring prosperity, security and happiness in the community, the nation and the world.
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda who was also present on the occasion said, impressed by the significant contribution made by the youth of Haryana in Defence Forces, the Central Government has sanctioned another sainik school in Rewari district.
Governor Jagannath Pahadia and former Army chief General Deepak Kapoor were among those present on the occasion.
Kunjpura Sainik School is one of the pioneer educational institutions established in the country on July 24, 1961 at the behest of the then defence minister V. K. Krishna Menon.
The primary aim of this institution is to prepare boys academically, physically and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy.