The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (December 19, 2012) participated at the felicitation function at Suri Vidyasagar College, Suri, Birbhum, where he studied for many years.

Speaking on the occasion, the President called upon educational institutions to maintain and upgrade the standard of education imparted. Universities need to develop in their students a scientific temper and a curriculum that will encourage the growth of research and innovation, he said.

The President said that to provide greater access to quality higher education to more students, the financial assistance offered must increasingly offer a mix of scholarships, education loans and self-help plans such as 'earn while you learn' schemes. Increasing the reach of education in the country, flexible models such as 'open', and 'distance' learning are far-reaching initiatives and should be encouraged and supported, he added.

The President stated that we must take full advantage of India's fortunate demographic ratio and that our economy's sustained economic growth would depend on appropriate human capital formation.

This release issued at 1315 hrs