The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed teachers of various schools of the Government of NCT of Delhi at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, President’s Estate, today (September 5, 2016) on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated all teachers and Gurus. He said in ancient days, the parting advice of Gurus to students was that they should be truthful, virtuous and not deviate from their conviction.

The President said as Visitor to institutions of higher learning, he had always stressed on the need for inspired teachers in our country. He said if 74% students of Government schools in class IX cannot read their text books and if about 46% of the children from class VI to IX cannot read even text books of class II, the situation is grave.

The President called upon teachers to keep the curiosity of students alive. He said children should not be snubbed when they ask questions to which teachers have no answers. They must promote and reinforce a scientific temper in the minds of young students. Students must be encouraged to challenge accepted faiths and beliefs. A spirit of innovation should be encouraged in the minds of students. Viable and sustainable bridges should be built between formal and informal knowledge systems. The marvel of our system is our commitment to pluralism. All Indians are united by a common thread despite diversities such as religion, language etc.

Before addressing the teachers, the President assumed the role of a teacher on Teachers’ Day. He took a class on the subject of "Politics in India since Independence" for students of class 11 and 12 at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in President's Estate. Thereafter, he also interacted with students and answered their queries.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and Shri K. K. Sharma, Chief Secretary of Government of Delhi.

This Press Release issued at 1800 hrs.