Set a new course for India’s future, Pranab tells students

“My experience tells me that youth can change the fortunes of any nation. My generation and the generation that has followed have set the wheel of fortune spinning and it is for you (youngsters) to take it to its logical conclusion,” the President said. 

The President also remarked that the world should speak not only of India’s glorious past but also about its present as well as its future. While expressing his delight in speaking to students, the President wished they scaled the pinnacle of success in their chosen careers. He cautioned them not to be influenced by materialistic goals alone and urged them to set goals to serve the society also. 

On arrival at the Coimbatore International Airport at 12.20 pm, the President was received by the Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Municipal Administration Minister SP Velumani and Coimbatore District Collector TN Hariharan. He reached the Nilgiris at 1 pm on an IAF helicopter. 

The President was at the St Lawrence School for an hour. After hoisting the national flag and inspecting the parade, he autographed a portrait of his painted by Priyansh Bhatt, a Class XII student, and gave away prizes to students. After leaving the school, the President took a short break at the Raj Bhavan in The Nilgiris before returning to Delhi at 5 pm Security was tightened at the airport and in and around Udhagamandalam ahead of his arrival.