Future depends on people's education: President

Citing the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday urged people to work for those who are socially deprived and thus help in nation building.

"Swami Vivekananda had pointed out that a country's future depends on its people and the education they receive. Everyone should work for the socially deprived people to build our nation," he said after inaugurating the Vivekananda Memorial Hall at Shree Ramakrishna Ashrama in Odisha's Kalahandi district.

The president also paid tributes to him and said one of the most important insights that Swami Vivekananda received from Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was "Jiva is Shiva", each individual is divinity itself.

"Swami Vivekananda taught that people should be served looking upon them as manifestations of god. By establishing numerous facilities to provide education and healthcare for the tribal population, especially children and youth, the ashram is implementing his thoughts and teachings," he said.

Voicing concern over backwardness in this region, he said it was once home to a rich and glorious civilization. He also appreciated the welfare work being done by the ashram for the tribal people.