Make optimum use of technology: PM to RSS-linked schools

New Delhi

Addressing a conclave of principals of schools run by Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharati Shiksha Sansthan here, he said keeping away from technology hampers growth in all sectors, including education.

He said the schools run by the Shiksha Sansthan have expanded in numbers, they need to focus on enhancing quality of students while competing with other schools in terms of education as well as extra curricular activities.

Noting that the Shiksha Sansthan runs 12000 schools with 32 lakh students linked to it in the country, Modi said, however, that there is no urge to accept the challenge of rising to the top of the education system.

"I know this system closely...The Shiksha Sansthan is expanding in numbers but what about quality?... We need to change the goals in all aspects. There should be feeling of pride about the tradition of the institution," he said about the Vidya Bharati schools which are linked to the RSS.

The Prime Minister exhorted the gathering to work towards establishing even more firmly, the image of Vidya Bharati, as an institution committed to "education with values."

He asked the Principals to work towards instilling excellence in every aspect of students' lives. As an illustration, he asked them to work to prepare sportspersons who could win gold medals at the 2020 Olympics.

Underlining that technology has emerged as crucial for all spheres of life, he said there should be optimum use of this in all spheres of life, particularly education. "Distance from science and technology hampers our growth."

He said "we have never been afraid of getting knowledge" which can come from any of the four directions. "We should ask ourselves, are our minds open to accept the best of the world?"

Underlining the concept of "vasudev kutumbakam' (whole world is a family), the Prime Minister said ideas should be accepted from wherever they come.

He emphasized the need for imbibing technology in all aspects of education and to take full advantage of the benefits it offers.

As an illustration, Modi said inspirational stories of various schools could be easily shared across the Vidya Bharati school network, using technology.

He urged the assembled "Prachaaryas" (Principals) to become torch-bearers of positivity and positive energy as "there is no dearth of those who spread negativity".

He said students of Vidya Bharati schools can work towards bringing positive changes in society, in areas such as cleanliness (Swachh Bharat) and energy conservation.

Modi noted that nowadays there is widespread discussion about climate change and asked the Vidya Bharati schools to inculcate habits among their students in this aspect.

In this regard, he also talked about energy conservation and said the 32 lakh students of the Vidya Bharati institutions should propagate this message.

He also suggested that these 12000 schools should use LED bulbs, that will help save them energy, and in turn, money.

"What can be a bigger example of patriotism? If 100 big cities starting using LED bulbs for street lighting, we can save 20,000 MW of power each year," Modi said.

Talking about Swachh (cleanliness) campaign, he cited a survey to say that 40 per cent of child deaths are because of lack of hygiene. He said this needs to be addressed and "students can become agents of change" in this regard.

Modi recalled his days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and said he used to find a different approach among IAS or IPS officers who had come out of Vidya Bharati schools.