SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE LABAN BENGALI GIRLS' HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL

Meghalaya, 23rd October 2008

Dear Students,

Teachers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be in Shillong, the capital of the beautiful state of Meghalaya and I was also pleased to meet the little girls of the school and other schools gathered here. Every girl is a lotus flower, who can bring name and fame to the country. Each part of the lotus flower reflects the different parts of India. I am impressed with the beautiful landscape of the city and its greenery. I am told that Shillong is well known for its educational institutions and it attracts students from all over the North East region. The youth and the large student community undoubtedly give a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere to the city.

I am pleased to be participating in the centenary celebrations of the Laban Bengali Girls' Higher Secondary School, which is one of the oldest schools in Shillong. I convey my greetings to all of you.

This school had a humble beginning when in 1908 it was established to educate the girl child of the locality. Today, after a century it has become a reputed institution of learning and recognized as one of the best performing schools in the State. A school can be known for its educational standards only because of the hard work and dedication of its staff and students. I hope that the school will continue its good work in the field of education. Education helps students to understand the world and to become better individuals. I would urge that you should make the most of your student days, as these are years when you can prepare yourself for the journey of life.

Meghalaya is a matrilineal society but I am told that the literacy rates among women are relatively lower as compared to male literacy levels. We have a nationwide programme for universal primary education for all and a commitment to provide access to education to all. The State must strive for 100 percent literacy levels and focus on women's education. I believe that every woman in our country must be literate and educated. Women make up about half the population of our country. A nation cannot progress without educating and empowering its women. It is therefore, important for our primary and secondary schools, especially girl schools to provide encouragement to their students so that they can excel and become self-confident. It is like a chariot, where if one wheel is weak then the chariot can not move. For the chariot to move, both wheels have to be strong.

As young educated girls you should help in teaching other women in your vicinity. I would, in fact, call on all of you to spend some time with organizations that are working in the field of women's welfare and also in vocational training centres to learn some skill as you study. The need to better the economic condition of women, particularly in villages and rural areas, through self-income generating activities is a very important national cause. An educated woman can take better care of her family and her children. If women are educated, they can help in removing many of the evil social practices and dealing with addiction to liquor and drugs, a problem which is increasing among the youth. All of you can be part of this effort to create an educated society with enlightened citizens. As Jawaharlal Nehru said "If you educate a boy, you educate an individual and if you educate a girl, you educate a family".

Young students and the youth of the country, therefore, must channelise their skills in developing balanced personalities with positive attitudes. The students, representing the coming generation must avoid narrow creeds and seek to build a path for the betterment of society. I believe that the welfare, progress and prosperity of any country depends upon the quality of its citizens. This in turn depends upon the standard of education and its capacity to mold minds, shape thinking and inculcate values. An educated person's capacity to earn a living, to contribute to society and to the nation is far higher than if one who is not educated. Education is like planting a tree whose fruit one can enjoy throughout life.

It is important that you develop knowledge about a range of issues in today's fast changing world. We should develop a habit of reading, not only textbooks but also newspapers and literature. India is a storehouse of great writings - many of our writers have been winning international literary awards. I would encourage you to acquaint yourselves with the wide diversity that exists in India - in its culture, languages, customs, traditions and, indeed its geography, both by reading and traveling. The beaches in the Southern part of India, the valleys of the mighty rivers of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra and the high mountain ranges of the Himalayas, are all a part of the great diversity of India. We also have a large number of languages spoken in our country. It is this richness and multiplicity, which makes India a unique and great nation of the world.

More over, we are a democratic nation, in fact the world's largest democratic nation. This imposes on each Indian, an obligation to listen to the other's point of view and have respect for differing perceptions. The nation can only develop rapidly in an atmosphere of peace. Mahatma Gandhi spread the message of non-violence throughout the world and he firmly believed that non-violence can solve even the most intricate problems and issues. The greatest goals can be achieved based on these principles. The nation also achieved independence based on these principles. Today, when the world is faced with violence and strife, the principles of non-violence are more relevant. Nothing can be gained through the path of violence. Violence only creates destruction and misery. Discussion and dialogue can only solve problems. I would like us all to move on the path and the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, so that our nation can progress and develop in an atmosphere of peace.

Education gives us the ability to face challenges and makes us tolerant, disciplined and hardworking. We must make every effort to make India one of the highly advanced nations with talented human resources by providing our youth good education and technical expertise along with moral values. Our youth are hardworking and capable of the most difficult tasks. Their knowledge and capabilities must be used to make India into a developed nation.

As students you also should be aware that climate change and environmental degradation are a big challenge confronting the world. Its negative impacts are already evident. Meghalaya is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna as well as one of those places in the world with a wide range of bio-diversity. You must make every effort to maintain this ecological balance and protect the environment, which can be your contribution to help the broader environment movement. In addition, as young students, all of you could become a part of the global effort that is required to adopt lifestyles, which are less polluting and contribute in small ways to help keep our environs clean.

I am confident that when you leave the portal of this school you will have the self-confidence to face the world with resolve and fortitude. You will have a role as a citizen of India, as a member of society and a family - a daughter, sister, wife and mother - which I am sure you will fulfill with responsibility.

I am sure that all of you will work hard to attain your dreams and fulfill your goals in life. My best wishes to you for success in your life and your careers and a bright future.

God Bless you.

Thank You,

JAI HIND