Speaking at a Teachers’ Day award function here the President called upon teachers to inspire young students to fight against graft and malpractices.
“In present times, values such as hard work, integrity, honesty and fighting against corruption and corrupt practices are very significant for our countrymen. Dear teachers, it is only you who could instill good values in your students to make them virtuous,” she said after giving away national awards to 374 teachers.
Patil called upon teachers to become “role models” of their students by following what they teach them.
“You will have to play a much bigger role than just a teacher. You will have to become a role model so that future generation adopts good habits. You have potentials to create future leaders even if you yourselves are not the same,” she said.
She also stressed the need to improve the teacher-pupil ratio and favoured an increase in the gross enrolment ratio, which stands at 73 per cent.
Addressing the function, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the government was to providing quality education to all the children but it is dedication and commitment of teachers which would be crucial for achieving the objectives of the Right to Education Act.
Interacting with a group of meritorious teachers here, Singh noted that teachers have a critical role to play in shaping the future of the country and they should inculcate progressive and rational attitudes among children maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity.
“As teachers you will need to ensure that our unique cultural heritage is preserved while preparing the children for global citizenship,” he said.
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