Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday exhorted the student community and said education must build their character and promote good conduct in them.

“Education must build character and promote good conduct. There is a need for raising the standards of education and increasing the professional competence of teachers,” Venkaiah Naidu said while addressing the gathering after inaugurating the NTR Convention Centre at Adikavi Nannaya University in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh.

“India was once known as ‘Vishwaguru’ and Indians, irrespective of caste and creed, were blessed with lot of talent and intelligence and those qualities have to be fully tapped to make students acquire knowledge and face contemporary challenges,” he added.

The vice-president said that one should pursue education not just for employment only, it should also help one acquire knowledge and enhance personality.

Many great personalities came from a poor family and reached top positions due to their dedication and commitment, he pointed out in his address.

“Ours is young India, as 65 per cent of people are below 35 years. India will become a super power in the ensuing days, because of the steps being initiated by the Union government,” he said, adding, “India’s ancient culture is still alive because of its greatness, whereas the culture in countries like Greece and Mesopotamia culture has vanished. Everybody should strive to protect Indian culture and traditions.”

Stating that ‘guru’ (teacher) is important than ‘Google’ (technology), he has advised the students to speak in mother tongue and said, “To love to learn and work hard to reach the goal.”

The vice president reminded that India was still having 20% of illiterates and no university of this country has listed in top 10 universities in the world.

He asked the teachers to improve professional competence, upgrade their skills and become role models.

“Don’t create fear psychosis among students. Instead nurture them,” he said, adding, “Teachers must transfer the world of learning. They should be friendly mentors and act as role models to students.”

Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimham, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister N Chinarajappa and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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