Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee today called upon educated youths of the nation to venture into entrepreneurship opportunities rather work with multinational companies. Addressing students and dignitaries on the 10th Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi here on Saturday, Mukherjee said that the higher education they have received in the country is a debt of the nation which they should repay by working for country’s development.
Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said, “India and China were equally exploited before their independence but China has made stupendous jump in the matter of development. Its GDP growth rate has been 12 per cent per year since last 30 to 32 years. It is only because it has sorted out its internal problems. So why can’t India do the same? There is need to take some hard steps to bring the country in line with our neighbour.”
Appealing to the students Mukherjee said, “The students of IIM Ranchi are requested to always keep in mind that this high quality education they have received is a contribution of the nation, State and community. The nation invests in its institutions and universities because students are our future. Students, in turn, have an important responsibility, not only for them but also for the country and the community.”
Stressing on the quality of education the former President said, “Education is the main source of empowerment and without empowerment, one cannot achieve social justice and economic development.” He said that there is need to provide research based education from the primary level. There is need to quality education to all.
“India is still lacking a robust higher education system. A large numbers of Indian students are going to abroad every year to get higher education. We don’t get Nobel Prize on our own. Three persons of Indian origin have received the prize but they were living in abroad,” he added, citing examples of various noteworthy teachers like Rabindranath Tagore to bring forth the point how good education should be aimed right from the grass root level.
Mukherjee ended his speech by narrating a short anecdote from his personal life highlighting the importance of education and urging the students to make the best possible use of their calibre and the education they are receiving at such a deemed institute to take India to newer horizons of success while abstaining from corruption and shortcuts.
The students of 2017-19 and 2018-20 who had excelled in academics were felicitated by the Director. The winners of essay writing competition of National Education Daywere also rewarded.
Earlier, the programme began with the lamp lighting ceremony by Pranab Mukherjee and Dr. Shailendra Singh, Director of IIM Ranchi accompanied by Saraswati Vandana. The Director gave an inspiring speech encouraging the students to strive each day to make their alma mater and the whole nation proud. Chairman, IIM Ranchi, Praveen Shankar Pandya, addressed the audience and also described the illustrious career of Pranab Mukherjee and his multi-faceted journey serving as the Defence Minister and then as the President of the nation.
To add to the celebrations of the evening, a cultural show was put up by the students which included some mellifluous singing, a classical dance and a gripping dramatics act highlighting the need for social uplift of women.
