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Dehradun, Oct.23 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil on Saturday called upon the educational institutions of the country to make education an amalgam of knowledge.

Addressing the 75th Founders Day of the Doon School at Dehradun in Uttarakhand today, the President said since the primary education has been made a fundamental right, the duty on part of the stakeholders has increased manifold.

She underlined the emergence of India as a global power and said it was time to meet the challenge of preparing a large number of educated youth to meet various needs of a fast developing nation.

The President said India stands at a crucial stage. It has many advantages including a predominantly young population and one of the world’s fastest growing economies. “All across the globe there is interest in India as an emerging global power.”

“In these inspiring times, the President said, “the biggest challenge is to prepare the youth who are educated and capable, with skills and the intellectual capacity to meet the various needs and requirements for developing the nation.”

“We have to be able to compete with the finest minds in the world. In this, education occupies a crucial position,” President Patil.

Stating further the President said primary education is now a fundamental right for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. “This was a significant decision of the Government, and I would like to appreciate the efforts of Kapil Sibal, Minister of Human Resource Development, who is here with us today. We are moving towards the universalization of education at the secondary level. Higher education is being accorded priority.”

“This would require commitment and performance on the part of all stakeholders,” the President said.

Stating that the education system must look at the holistic development of the youth of the country, President emphasised on three aspects which, she said, were very important for the overall development of children.

“One, education is about knowledge. Children in schools must be introduced to the world, its history and its dynamics. They must be acquainted with science and its wonders.”

“Second, knowledge without values is incomplete. It is a value system that can prepare the younger generation to become responsible citizens who contribute to the welfare of society and advancement of the human race.”

“The third aspect which is important, is to build a spirit of working together constructively. In this, sports play an important part. Apart from physical fitness, sports develop qualities like team spirit, striving for excellence and learning to accept success and defeat.”

“Similarly, extra curricular activities help build a spirit of social service. Often talent can be discovered when working in areas of interest,” President Patil stated in her address.

The visiting King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk in his address asked the students to be innovative and fully committed. (ANI)