Learn diversity of culture for betterment of society: Prez

Updated on: Friday, October 29, 2010

President Pratibha Patil today asked students to learn about their culture, ethos and the eco- system besides studying their regular textbooks to pave way for a better society.

"I would encourage you to learn about the diversity of our country in culture, languages, customs, ethos and traditions. It is this richness and multiplicity, which makes India unique and great nation.

Moreover, we are a democratic nation, in fact the world's largest democratic nation. The students, representing the coming generation, must avoid narrow creeds and seek to build a path for the betterment of society," she said addressing students of one of the oldest schools of the country.

Terming the schools as "the basic pillars" for the nation, the President said, "The stronger a system of school education, greater the prospects of progress of a country." President said the students' objective should be to become intellectually competent and technically skilled to contribute to the nation's progress.

"Young students and the youth of the country, therefore, must channelise their skills in developing balanced personalities with positive attitudes," she said, releasing a commemorative postage stamp on the Cathedral and Connon School, founded in 1860, here.

The school was pioneered and funded by a city philanthropist, barrister and editor, John Connon and named after him posthumously. The President also asked parents and teachers to inculcate in students the habit of reading.

"You (students) must use your time in school to learn as much as possible. You should develop a habit of reading, not only textbooks, but also newspapers and literature. India is a storehouse of knowledge.

"We should teach our children to respect nature for our own good. We must sensibly use its resources, work to conserve its rich flora and fauna, as well as adopt environment friendly approaches," she said.

The alumni of the school includes industrialists JRD Tata, Ratan Tata, Rahul Bajaj, scientist Dr Homi Bhabha, actors Rahul Bose, Kareena Kapoor, politicians Arun Jaitley and Milind Deora.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankarnarayanan, Deputy Chief Minister Chagan Bhujbal and Union Ministers of State for IT and Communication Sachin Pilot and Gurudas Kamat were also present.

"Students should prove that talent and skills develop a country and not ethnic background," Kamat said.

Learn diversity of culture for betterment of society: Prez

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