GUWAHATI, July 23 � Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam today said that there was no harm in crossing the geographical boundaries in pursuit of knowledge, asserting that �if knowledge is there one should not mind crossing even the ocean to get there.�
He made the statement in the context of migration from the North-east for higher education to outside.
However, he maintained, there is a need to create greater entrepreneurship opportunities in the North-east and that the onus lay on the teachers to direct the youth in the right path.
Kalam was speaking in the North East College Principals� Conclave, 2014 held at University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya this evening.
Dr Kalam, while referring to the zeal and challenges that an Army man posted in difficult terrain faces, said that the teachers and the principals too had a job cut out and �it is they who are in a unique mission to shape the young minds of our country.�
�Inspiring the youth with education and values is the primary job of the teachers and principals. He or she must be able to radiate knowledge and purity of life. A principal must also keep in mind that he is a teacher first and should strive hard to create great children,� the Missile Man said.
While sharing a story on his visit to the UAE to inaugurate a book fair, Dr Kalam urged the young and old alike to have a home library which in the long run would enrich the entire family.
While referring to the principals as the teacher of teachers, Dr Kalam asked the principals to imbibe in them a number of qualities which include adapting with the age and psyche of the students and maintaining transparency in their work.
�One must focus in igniting the young minds and thereby lift the below-average students up,� he pointed out, addressing the gathering. �
�Besides, a principal taking classes of his or her expertise is very important,� he said.
A host of other noted personalities including Chancellor of USTM M Haque, Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University Dr MK Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University Dr Mridul Hazarika were present on the occasion.
