New Delhi: The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee attended the fifteenth anniversary celebrations of the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Mohali yesterday (November 20, 2016). Speaking on the occasion, the President said Universities and Institutions of higher learning have the great responsibility of providing quality education, training and skilling to the youths.

Any failure in delivering quality education and training will lead to the demographic dividend turning into a demographic disaster, the President said.  “India has more than 750 Universities, 36,000 Colleges and several other institutions, but the quality of education leaves much to be desired. Leave apart figuring in international rankings, most institutions are not even making their graduates sufficiently employable” added Mr Mukherjee.

The President commented that students should become job givers rather than becoming job seekers. He hoped that India’s third largest eco-system of 4500 startups will soon enhance to 10,000 new enterprises.‎ He called upon youth and graduates to add social commitment and social responsibilities to their aspirations in life ahead, with the aim of giving back to society. Describing them as citizens of a free nation with no fear or baggage, he asked students to take risks in life, innovate, create and make a difference.

The President said Indian students and our young minds are bright, creative and innovative. It is for the Institutions of higher learning to provide them with a conducive atmosphere to excel. Citing the examples of Dr. Hargobind Khurana and others who became Nobel Laureates while at Universities/Institutions abroad after having completed initial education in India, he said India will have to provide our students an atmosphere that facilitates their success.