The Hindu : National : Education can change lives in remote areas: Patil

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Education can change lives in remote areas: Patil

Staff Correspondent

“We are counted among the front-ranking nations when it comes to global economy and Information Technology”

— Photo: PTI

President Pratibha Patil inspecting a guard of honour on her arrival at Raja Bhoj airport in Bhopal on Sunday.

BHOPAL: President Pratibha Patil on Sunday said education played the most important role in nation-building and could change the lives of the deprived sections.

The President was speaking at a function after inaugurating the new building of Bhoj (Open) University.

At present, there was a global demand for workers trained in science and technology. Education should help empower the youth and make them capable of taking up useful jobs and vocations.

Ms. Patil stressed the importance of spreading education based on the latest techniques among the youth and said universities, especially the open universities, could play this role best. The private and corporate sectors wanted universities to prepare youth for their job requirements.

She praised the achievements of the higher education system since Independence and said the country’s human resource was actively engaged in every field. “We are counted among the front-ranking nations when it comes to global economy and Information Technology.”

The President said maximum attention had been paid to higher education in the Eleventh Plan. She emphasised the importance of educating women and said those living in remote areas could be educated through the distance education system.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar said education made people responsible to society, nation and the world. He said society and the government should work together to combat the forces trying to commercialise education.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said the State would not lag behind in education. To ensure quality in higher education, an autonomous Education Commission had been set up. Ms. Patil also inaugurated the People’s Group Centre for Scientific Research and Development. She said: “The country needs institutions like People’s Group, which is devoted to conducting research in the field of science and technology.” She lauded the People’s Group for giving free treatment to lakhs of people.

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