President The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that education adds value to a person; and value based education equips us to contribute in a meaningful way to our society. Striving for spiritual development along with academic excellence is the right approach to regain lost values and traditions in this age, he said. He was speaking at the fourth Annual Convocation Ceremony of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya at Haridwar today (December 9, 2012).

The President said that it is the growth of education in India that is one of the key factors responsible for India's resilience. Therefore, it is indisputable that education through which the country builds intellectual capital is of singular importance to any individual, society or nation, he said.

The President said that at the macro level, education nurtures nation building and at the micro level it fosters character building. He stated that he had a great faith in the philosophy and culture of Indian civilization and believed that the road to progress should be strengthened by harmonizing such values. The President stated that he was, therefore, immensely encouraged by the education model that is practised by Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya.

This release issued at 1415 hrs