President Murmu Confers National Awards on Teachers, Stresses Inclusive Education

New Delhi, September 5: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Awards on teachers from across the country at a ceremony held in the capital on Teachers' Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the President described education as the most effective instrument for realising the constitutional ideal of equal opportunity. She credited the teaching community for the significant achievement of bringing the primary school dropout rate to a negligible level, calling it a national success.

Highlighting the foundational role of school education, the President noted that while knowledge and skills can be acquired at any stage of life, lessons in good conduct imparted during childhood have a lasting impact. She urged teachers to focus on the intellectual, physical, and moral development of children in their early years to prepare them as excellent students and responsible citizens.

The President also drew attention to the diverse challenges faced by students, including those from economically disadvantaged families, first-generation learners, and children with special needs. She emphasised that it is the special responsibility of teachers to instil confidence in students who feel a sense of inadequacy for any reason.

Underlining the importance of academic excellence, skill development, and entrepreneurship, the President said these are crucial for national progress. She reiterated the national priority of establishing India as the skill capital of the world and transforming it into a knowledge superpower.

Concluding her address, the President said that the goal of building a Viksit Bharat can only be achieved through a world-class education system, in which teachers are the lifeblood. She called for ensuring that no student is deprived of quality education and urged teachers to impart knowledge, inspiration, morality, and sensitivity through their dedication and affection.