President Pranab Mukherjee has called for expeditious introduction of technology enabled learning in all educational institutions across the country. Speaking at a function on National Education Day to commemorate 124th birth anniversary of first education minister of independent India, Maulana Abul Kamal Azad in New Delhi today Mr Mukherjee also stressed on adaptation of technology enabled learning to specific needs of the country.

Observing that the access to elementary education is an area of focus in the 12th five year plan, the President called for equal attention to skill development to fully realize the potential of youth in the country and motivate them for jobs and growth of national economy. He said, government is implementing policy of quality education for all with special focus on marginalized and disadvantage groups. The President asked the educationalists to remember that the outcome of education system will be measured not merely in terms of number of degree holders but in the large number of informed citizens who respect humanism and rise above narrow feelings and contribute to a better, stronger and vibrant India.

The President launched the advanced version of low cost tablet Aakash 2 on this occasion. Coming at a price tag of 1,130 rupees for students, to begin with the new version will be made available to students of engineering colleges and universities. It has been developed under the aegis of IIT Bombay with the active support of C-DAC.

Mr. Mukherjee also announced the launch of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Peace and Sustainable Development, the first UNESCO category-I institute in Asia.

Speaking on the occasion, Human Resource Development Minister Dr M M Pallam Raju underlined the need for giving special emphasis on research and innovation in higher education. He referred to several steps being taken to ensure better use of technology for teaching and training of teachers.