SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL AWARDS TO MERITORIOUS TEACHERS

New Delhi, 5th September 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

and Teachers,

I am very happy to be here at this function to honour teachers, from the length and breadth of our country, who have been selected to receive this year's Meritorious Teachers' Awards. Apart from parents and families, it is teachers who deeply influence the thinking of children. Later in life, it is the lessons of teachers that are recalled many a times. It is to express our recognition of the hard work put in by them that Teacher's Day is celebrated. This day is also an occasion to remember the second President of the country, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was an eminent scholar and Professor. It is said that after he became the President of India in 1962, some of his students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday which fell on 5th September. He discouraged them to do so, and instead felt that it would be better to pay tribute to the work of all the teachers of the country engaged in the noble profession of imparting knowledge. Thus, began the observation of Teachers' Day in our country.

Dr. Radhakrishnan was of the view that, "The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature." Teachers, who are the providers of education, are indeed, the makers of the end product of the process of learning - a productive human being with good values and a law abiding citizen. Teachers are like sculptors. Sculptors give shape to stone and bring out a beautiful carving from it. So also the work of the teacher is to shape the character and career of students under their care, identify their strengths and build on them, develop their personalities. Students should be moulded in a manner that enables them to be able to confidently and independently stand on their feet. Their knowledge and skills should help them deal with the many challenges of life, irrespective of the circumstances they may face, and become creative and responsible citizens of our country. It is said that an average teacher teaches; a good teacher explains; a superior teacher illustrates; and a great teacher inspires students.

India stands at a crucial stage, and the role of teachers in inspiring the predominantly young population of the country and fortifying our youth with education, intellectual capacity and caliber to meet the many needs and requirements for developing the nation, is a calling of high responsibility. We have to be able to compete with the finest minds in the world. In this, a strong foundation of knowledge and values occupies a crucial position. That is why our teachers must be given all support and respect. Teachers should, on their part, fulfill their responsibilities and be worthy of this respect. They should teach with all sincerity and devotion and try to be ideal teachers. Some teachers have received awards for the second time. They can be an example for others. Teachers posted in villages, generally teach students whose parents are not very literate and theirs is the first generation going to school. Teachers should pay highest attention to their education and be more particular and punctual.

As all of you know, primary education is now a Fundamental Right for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. We are moving towards the universalization of education at the secondary level. At the same time, higher education is being accorded priority. This would require commitment and performance on the part of all stakeholders. The gross enrollment ratio at school level is 73 percent. We need to increase this figure and also ensure that all sections of society are part of the knowledge thrust. The teacher-pupil ratio needs improvement, for which enrollment of teachers needs to be increased. In this scenario of major initiatives in the education sector, the system must look at the holistic development of the youth of the country, and I would like to emphasize three aspects which are very important in this context.

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. They should learn about society and its evolution. Languages will help them in building their communication skills. Mathematics, science, environment and other subjects are all very important. They should be given training from time to time. Hence, the curriculum has to be crafted in a manner which gives students an understanding of the world. The world is witnessing a new age based on knowledge, and we need teachers who will impart skills to student which are useful and relevant. For this, teachers should keep themselves apprised of skills required in the emerging world, and also keep themselves abreast of new teaching techniques and methodologies.

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. Values provide an anchor in life as well as the ability to take decisions, however difficult. They make one strong and capable of withstanding the greatest storms. A mindset that boys and girls have equal status needs to be taught in the primary level schools, as also emphasizing upon young minds, the many harms of social evil to individuals and societies. Concepts of peace, harmony and tolerance must be learned in school. They also need to be taught that we are a democratic nation, which means, there must be willingness to listen to the other's point of view, and to have respect for differing perceptions. The education system must strengthen adherence to secularism, inclusiveness and pluralism. These are the great values enshrined in our Constitution and developed by our civilization. These give strength and sustenance to our diverse multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual society.

The third aspect which is important is to build a spirit of working together constructively. Students should work on their individual achievements, but at the same time be team players. Always thinking about one self, can later in time become a habit, which leads to the attitude of selfishly placing one's own interest before that of society. Success of nations, in the world of the future, will depend on how they can develop team work in various national activities, and especially in areas of technology and research.

If our nation is to march ahead and our people are to build a new India, an important beginning can come from the teachers themselves. You must not only be a teacher, but more. You must be role models who instill good habits amongst the upcoming generation. You may not be leaders, however you have the capabilities of creating leaders of the future. In present times, values such as hard work, integrity and honesty; fighting against corruption and corrupt practices are very essential amongst our population. My dear teachers, it is you who can instill such important values in your students to make them virtuous citizens, and for that you must also practice what you teach.

With these words, I once again convey my best wishes to all the teachers assembled here, and also to those teaching in all our schools in various parts of the country. Many expectations are placed on your shoulders by society and the nation, and I wish you all the very best in your work.

Thank you.

JAI HIND!