SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL ON THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF SAINIK SCHOOL, KUNJPURA

Karnal, 24th July 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Students,

I am happy to be here at the Kunjpura Sainik School, established by the Sainik School Society on 24th July 1961. This school was amongst the first Sainik Schools to be set up in the country with the objective of preparing students academically, mentally and physically for entering into our Defence Forces. I congratulate all those who have been associated with the school for working with commitment and for the successful completion of its 50 years. Through half a century, the School has been imparting education of a high standard to its students, who belong to various sections of society. The school has been doing yeomen services by inspiring children joining the Armed Forces.

Education is the foundation for all growth and development. It gives one the confidence of living and earning in today's rapidly changing, competitive and increasingly knowledge based world. An effective education system is one that responds to the challenges of its time. In today's context, education should teach about the different aspects of human history, in a manner that students can draw lessons from the past. It should make students aware of their social and cultural milieu, so that they can contribute meaningfully to society. It should acquaint them with the marvels of science and technology, with its immense capacity to transform human lives, with a view to encourage them to develop a scientific temper. Moreover, education should enable them to work intelligently and in a systematic manner. With its myriad beneficial outcomes, it is no wonder that countries rightfully give very high priority to education in their socio-economic development, and aim to make education opportunities available to all. In India, primary education is now a Fundamental Right and is free and compulsory. We are hoping to universalize secondary education as well. These are important forward movements in the school education sector.

Schools are the basic units of an educational system. Here, children spend the formative years of their life. It is here, that the process of imparting knowledge begins, and opportunity is given to children to acquire skills and values, that will help them in life's journey, and in fulfilling responsibilities towards families, society and the nation. What one learns in school, leaves a lasting impression on ones mind. Further, the development of students at higher levels of education depends on the knowledge base and the value system acquired in school. The stronger the foundations of school education, the greater the possibilities of progress. Indeed, at a macro level it can be said that the quality of education imparted in schools, determines the nation's future. Therefore it is very necessary for schools to impart good education and make students understand the worthiness of discipline, integrity and doing their work with dedication. Moreover, they should also be taught the importance of time and its optimal utilization. As Gandhiji said, "the emphasis laid on the principles of spending every minute of one's life usefully is the best education for citizenship". Dear students, I call on all of you to make punctuality a habit. You should complete the tasks assigned on time. Use your time in school in the best possible manner - study, play, make friends, understand how to behave with others, and learn as much as you can from your teachers about the values of life. Your objective should be to become intellectually competent and technically skilled - your talents are required by the nation.

Our country stands at the threshold of becoming one of the largest economies, as well as one of the most influential countries in the world. As the future generation, it is you - the youth, who will play a critical role in taking India to its promised destiny. You must work hard and honestly, where ever you are and whatever work you are doing. By working selflessly and always keeping the interest of the country in mind, you will be an asset to the nation. I believe that the education system needs to strengthen adherence to secularism, democracy, inclusiveness and pluralism. These are the great values enshrined in our Constitution and traditionally developed by our civilization. These give strength and sustenance not only to our diverse multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-lingual society, but also to our country.

Cultural activities in schools can help students appreciate the richness and diversity of our culture, as well as the enduring relevance of our age old values of truth, tolerance and respect for all. Also, interest of students in a range of activities should be nurtured. This will not only promote their all round development, but also broaden their outlook, moving them away from a narrow approach to life. A broad set of skills will enhance their creative ability. I am informed that the Sainik Schools are encouraging their students to participate in various activities like photography, painting, ship modeling and mountaineering expeditions, among others. Sports and games are a part of the daily schedule of the school. These are necessary for maintaining physical fitness and can also teach one how to play fairly. Winning can be exhilarating but losing a match can help you improve. Victory is often the outcome of co-operation and co-ordination amongst the members of a team. One upmanship, as you would have realized, is often detrimental to success, while team spirit can win the game. You must always remember that your identity, your standing and your stature is derived from your being an Indian. We all are Indians! We all are members of Team India. Hence, we must collectively work to make our country stronger and more prosperous.

Teachers play a very important role in shaping children. Their importance has been recognized since very early times and in all civilizations. In our traditional system of education, the teacher was called a Guru. It is a Sanskrit word consisting of two syllables 'Gu' meaning 'darkness' and 'ru' meaning 'light'. Hence, the Guru was the one who dispelled darkness by imparting the light of knowledge. Emphasizing the vital role of teachers, Marcus Cicero, a Roman Philosopher had said, "what nobler employment, or more valuable to the state than that of the man who instructs the rising generation." Today, our youth need much guidance, both from teachers and parents, given that there is a huge volume of information available to the youth in books, television and over the internet. Teachers must keep themselves abreast with the latest knowledge tools, so that they can guide their students to look at useful and meaningful information sources. They must also interpret for their students, this vast information that is available, in the simplest way without losing its essence. Through interactive teaching methodology, teachers should encourage children to examine and analyze everyday experiences and make them search for solutions to problems. I convey my best wishes to the teachers of the School, many of whom have been conferred National Awards.

Every school is known for its alumni and teachers. Many ex-students have excelled in various fields. I am happy that Sainik School Kunjpura has sent about 1800 boys to the National Defence Academy over the last five decades. Some names, which come to my mind, are the Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who is also present here and the former Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor.

I am sure that Sainik School will continue to produce students who do not fail the motto of the School - "Siddhim Sannadhd".

This means ready to accomplish. Many of you will I am sure, in the tradition of Sainik Schools, join the Armed Forces of the nation, of whom we are immensely proud of, for their valour, courage and for the distinguished service they render in defending the borders of the country. I have visited our border areas and seen that the morale of our Armed Forces is high. Despite working in difficult conditions they stand firm to defend our borders. Our Armed Forces are the nation's pride. I am also confident that all of you will work to become partners in the creation of a new India, and will be the instruments of change; a change that will bring prosperity, security and happiness in your community, the nation and the world. You are celebrating the Golden Jubilee in the annals of your school. I am confident that you will contribute in working to bring about the golden era of the nation, which will be recorded in golden letters.

I conclude by conveying my good wishes to the Principal Col. Arun Datta, as well as to the teachers, staff and students. I wish the School all success.

Thank You.

Jai Hind!