Quality education, values key to India’s growth: Sribharat

Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat has said that quality education, strong values and effective leadership are essential for India to emerge as a leading global power.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of St. Ann’s College in Malkapuram on Thursday, Mr. Sribharat said India’s young population was its greatest strength, but could become a liability if the youth were denied quality education and opportunities.

“If our young people are educated well, they can become a great force for the nation. If they are not provided with the right education and opportunities, the same demographic strength could turn into a liability,” he said.

Mr. Sribharat, who attended the event along with Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Rajasekhar, interacted with students on education, youth development and human capital.

Asked what he would discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi if given 10 minutes to speak about the education system, Mr. Sribharat said his experience as an educator would shape his priorities. “I am an educator, and I lead an educational institution,” he said.

He said he would raise issues concerning science, social sciences, engineering, management, and medicine, as well as the effectiveness of the education system and its regulatory framework.

Mr. Sribharat also stressed the importance of leadership, governance and institutional culture in preparing students for the future.

“India’s progress on the global stage depends on the quality of its young people. We must provide our youth with quality education, strong values and effective leadership,” he said.

The celebrations were attended by HPCL Executive Director Tirupati Naidu, representatives of the Society of Sisters of St. Anne, college officials, former students, parents, faculty members and students.