The Prime Minister has said that there is a global need for good teachers and India has a potential to export to fulfill that need.

Addressing the children on the occasion of teachers day in New Delhi today, Mr Narendra Modi said there should be a debate why good students are not opting teaching as a profession.

Saying that teachers are the role models for students, he said people need to realize the importance of teachers.

He stressed the need for separate toilets for girls in schools across the country and sought assistance from schools to ensure the facility.

The Prime Minister said the government's focus is on ensuring that students do not drop out of schools and initiative for toilets in all schools is part of that endeavor.

Mr Modi said the government is also striving to make available distance education through technology so that girls do not have to go to far off schools, particularly after 5th class.

Saying digital India is his dream, the Prime Minister said modern technology should reach all people in the country in all languages.

Mr. Modi said teachers should not discriminate among students and try to hone positive skills of each student to mould them into good citizens. During the programme, which was linked with schools nationwide, the Prime Minister said that there is a need to make cleanliness a national movement.

Exhorting people to teach in neighborhood schools at least once a week, he said, the students should be well versed with technology. He advised the children to make reading a habit and read biographies as it will take them close to history.

The Prime Minister answered the queries of students from various parts of the country on a number of issues through video conferencing. The students belonged to the far-off places like Dantewada, Tinsukia, Leh, Bhuj and Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking on the occasion, Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani said, a teacher acts as a bridge between past and future. She said teachers not only teach but also learn in the journey of teaching.

Over one thousand students from different schools in the national capital attended the function. The Prime Minister's address was beamed live to over 18 lakh government and private schools in the country through Doordarshan, AIR and education channels.

Our correspondent reports, many students spoke about the life and achievements of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.