President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, November 12, interacted with a group of meritorious students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The interaction was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, observed every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, according to an official statement from the President's office.

Source: Press Information Bureau / President's Secretariat statement

Talent is not the shortage, opportunity is

Addressing the students, the President said the nation is moving forward to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, and that the development of every region of the country and every section of society is essential to reach it. She said the Eklavya Model Residential Schools are not only providing quality education to tribal students but also offering them opportunities to hone their multifaceted talents. "There is no dearth of talent in our country. What the students require are the right opportunities, a conducive environment, and proper guidance," she said, according to the official statement.

Source: Press Information Bureau / President's Secretariat statement

The President said she was happy to note that the ratio of boys and girls in Eklavya Model Residential Schools is equal, calling it a testament to the country's progress toward inclusive development, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via DailyWorld

Become job creators, and carry knowledge home

Urging the students to aim high and realise their dreams with dedication, discipline and self-confidence, President Murmu said education should not only be a means to earn a livelihood for themselves — their goal should also be to create employment opportunities through their knowledge. When the youth become job creators, she underlined, the country's inclusive development will gain further momentum, Nation Press reported.

Source: Nation Press

She also advised students to stay well-informed about current affairs and the changes taking place in the country and the world, saying this develops logical thinking and analytical skills — and asked them, whenever they visit their villages, to share that knowledge and information about public welfare schemes with family members, relatives and neighbours, so that their education benefits their family and society as well.