ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY THE HON'BLE PRESIDENT AT THE CEREMONY CONFERRING THE DOCTORATE HONORIS CAUSA ON HER BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CHILE

Santiago, Chile, 22nd April 2008

Professor V�ctor P�rez Vera,

Rector of the University of Chile,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I deem it a privilege to have the opportunity to visit the University of Chile which was founded as far back as 1843 and is acknowledged for its excellence not only in Latin America but all over the world. To all the present and past scholars of this institution, I convey my greetings.

In my country, we attach great importance to knowledge and wisdom and have deep respect for teachers. We, in India, celebrate 5th September as Teachers' Day throughout India, to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India and a great intellectual and an educationalist of exceptional stature.

I am, therefore, deeply honoured by your decision to confer on me the distinction of a Doctorate honoris causa.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India used to say, and I quote "Universities are temples of learning and if universities are doing well the nation is doing well". Unquote.How true this is. A university is home for scholars, intellectuals, academicians, and scientists - who through their scholarly pursuits and imparting of knowledge, have contributed to the progress of societies and nations.A University is also home for students who define the future. It is here that the minds of the youth are moulded, ideas are born and the contours of the future, shaped. The role of Universities in the socio-economic development of a country in today's knowledge-based and technology-driven world has increased immensely.The biggest challenge for Universities is how to prepare the youth for the opportunities and challenges of a globalised world that is constantly changing and ever evolving. Education must give to the students the ability to analyse, the capacity to think, to act with humility and be individuals willing to contribute to nation building as well as to preserving the planet for the future generations and working for the welfare of humankind.

I am glad to learn that the University of Chile carries about 40% of all scientific and technological research at the national level. This is, indeed, a remarkable contribution. Science and Technology profoundly influences the course of human civilization. Inventions and innovations help make our economies modern, more productive and competitive. Cutting-edge technology plays a critical role in agriculture, communications, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, automobile and other manufacturing industries. I believe that Universities have a critical role to play in updating the knowledge base of our societies and economies.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Another aspect I would like to highlight is the need to provide emphasis on the education of women. From an early stage, mothers can deeply influence their children to develop respect for knowledge and learning. The University of Chile has been a pioneer in this respect. It was the first to open its doors to women students in this country when in 1877 the first woman entered the hallowed portals of this University. Today, about 130 years later as the first woman President of India, I am honoured to accept a Doctorate honoris causa from this University - a pioneer in women's education, whose patron is Her Excellency President Michelle Bachelet, the first woman President of Chile and herself an alumini of this prestigious institution.

There has been some progress on gender equality issues worldwide but our objectives and targets are still very distant. The talent of women, nearly half of the world�s population, remains largely untapped. Provision of education and medical care facilities alongwith economic opportunities is fundamental for the empowerment and progress of women. Unleashing their dynamism is fundamental for the development not only of any democracy but also for inclusive and equitable socio-economic development of any nation state. These are challenges that are not limited to India but are shared by Chilean society. We watch with admiration efforts in this country to promote greater social equity and harmony side by side with rapid economic progress.

My visit to Chile commenced yesterday with salutations at the Plaza de la India to Mahatma Gandhi - the Father of Nation of India, to Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India, and to Rabindra Nath Tagore - the great poet laureate of India. The values and principles these great leaders of India expounded - truth, non-violence, democracy, humaneness, and compassion have been guiding the destiny of independent India. India is a country of diverse languages, culture, customs and faiths. Yet we live in harmony and seek progress, within a democratic framework.

With its 670 million electorate, India is the largest democracy of the world. Its adherence to a democratic way of life has been consistent since its independence. Moreover, the endeavour has been to take democracy right down to the grassroots. Today, we have a network of about 2.3 million elected representatives in institutions of local self government, out of this 1.2 million are women. This is by far the largest number of elected representatives in history or anywhere in the contemporary world. India is proud of its democratic heritage and believes that the democratic ideal is a common heritage of mankind.

We are also proud of the manner in which the Indian economy has grown. Our objective is to sustain a high growth rate over the next two to three decades to ensure that our determination to eradicate poverty is guaranteed success. As we strive for growth, we seek inclusive growth and social justice.

On the global platform also, India seeks an equitable world order, with a greater voice for the developing countries. It is in our common interest to work together on critical issues on the international agenda such as development, climate change, the fight against terrorism, multilateral trade negotiations and reform of the United Nations, in particular its Security Council.

Developing countries have their unique problems and challenges. These have to be understood from their perspective. Co-operation among them constitutes an important principle of global co-operation. Promoting interaction between the academic institutions of the developing world is an aspect of South-South cooperation, which should be especially encouraged.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Educational cooperation between India and Chile holds tremendous potential and would benefit the people of both our countries. I invite Chilean universities, think tanks and major academic centers to consider collaborations with their Indian counterparts. We need greater academic interaction in S&T, in humanities, in engineering, in medicine, in ayurveda and the knowledge sectors such as nano-technology, bio-technology and information technology.

My visit to Chile, I hope, will serve to bring awareness and amplify the foundation of our mutual interest in each other's countries and release the latent potential for cooperation between India and Chile including in the fields of science and technology, culture and education.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to convey a special word of thanks and appreciation to Rector V�ctor P�rez Vera. He has shown great leadership in making this University into one of Chile's most innovative, secular and leading edge institution while maintaining its reputation for academic excellence. You have inherited a proud tradition and are carrying it forward with aplomb and distinction.

Before I conclude, I would once again wish to thank the patron of this University Dr. Michelle Bachelet, the University and the Chilean people who have bestowed this special honour on me.

Con mis mejores deseos para la Universidad.

Muchas Gracias!