New Delhi: "Teachers have always been given a special place and respect in our society, as they prepare children to be active and responsible participants in society. This profession is noble as it involves imparting the precious gift of knowledge to the youth," said President Pratibha Patil, addressing the teachers honored with the National Awards for the year 2009 on the occasion of Teacher's Day on Sunday.

The president recalled how in the year 2009, she was not able to be present at the award function for teachers on Teachers Day as she had been in the Russian city of St. Petersburg at a school established on the tenth anniversary of India's independence.

"I was greatly impressed with the interest amongst the students and teachers of this school in a foreign country about our culture. I believe that an appreciation of the diversity that exists in our world invariably broadens horizons and promotes understanding between peoples," she said.

The president further stated that in today's global economy, it is extremely important that the children in India understand the inter-linkages between cultures and nations along with the human values of love, respect and tolerance, which are the essentials for a peaceful world.

"It is, therefore, vital that teachers emphasize the importance of these values, which are a part of our country's ancient civilizational heritage. Students should be made to think in terms of the welfare of humankind and progress of the nation," she said.

She further added that no matter what subjects teachers teach, they should inculcate in their students a sense of pride in our rich cultural heritage.

Talking about the current age when there is so much information available via books, television and other forms of electronic communication, the president said that the role of teachers in such an environment has only expanded as they constantly have to guide their students in distinguishing between what is relevant and what is not.

"This is important so that children are not submerged in a barrage of information, but instead develop an understanding of events and happenings around them by analyzing them," she opined.

She further stated that teachers must inculcate in their students the approaches and principles that constitute civilized human behavior. "Even the best of technology of today cannot do this. That is why teachers have been called Acharyas in our ancient texts, as they teach the norms of conduct to the next generation," she said.

The president said that for teachers, the thought or knowledge that they impart to their students is as important as the conduct that their students are grounded in. She added that this was important as India is currently passing through a period of economic transformation.

The president further stated that the youth of India need to develop an attitude that embraces all as we are a large, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and pluralistic society. She said that these values can be taught only by teachers and this will bring prosperity and compassion in the Indian society.

Quoting Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, on whose birthday the occasion of Teachers Day is celebrated, the president said, "The aim of education is not the acquisition of information, although important, or acquisition of technical skills, though essential in modern society, but the development of that bent of mind, that attitude of reason, that spirit of democracy which will make us responsible citizens."

President Pratibha Patil stated that a comprehensive education system would help shape the younger generation into one that has a sound ethical base and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Speaking about the disturbing trend of ragging in India's higher educational institutions, the president said that "this practice is not healthy, as it is a manifestation of intolerance on the part of senior students towards their juniors, who are new to the campus. It must be strongly condemned and should not take place in any institution of the country." She added that teachers have a major role in preventing it.

The president also spoke about the Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act and said that the act is a historic milestone for the country. "The challenge before teachers is to ensure that children actively participate in school activities. They particularly in rural and distant areas, should hold classes regularly and ask students to attend school every day. They should remain in contact with parents and pay personal attention to the difficulties that their students may face," she said.

The president opined, "Good teaching is a long term investment. It is said, that in the teaching profession the fruit is often invisible for a long time. The results can be seen only when their students begin to bear the responsibilities of their families, society and the nation."

"Gurudev Tagore, who started the well known Shantiniketan, wanted teachers to help young children to grow on their own, as a gardener helps young plants to grow. In Gurudev Tagore's view, the higher aim of education was the same as that of a person's life, that is, to achieve fulfillment and completeness," she said.

Towards the end of her speech, the president stated that students should be made aware of the many hues of life, and the reality that along with opportunities, there will invariably be obstacles and difficulties.

"Challenges are a daily occurrence, we should not get intimidated by them, but rather learn to surmount them. As self discipline is that one quality which can help tide over many difficulties, due emphasis must be placed on this aspect," she stated.

In her final advice to the teachers, the president said, "If our youth, are to be utilized for building up a new country, a new India, a new society, the beginning must come from the teachers themselves. You must not only be a teacher, but more. You must be a facilitator, friend, philosopher and guide to those whose lives you mould."

"You must constantly upgrade your teaching methodologies so that children get quality education. Use new techniques to make lessons more interactive and effective. Moreover, in-service teachers' training is an important aspect of a good education system. It enables teachers to renew their teaching skills," she stated.