Nation's prosperity depends on citizen's quality: President Pratibha Patil

President Pratibha Patil today said that welfare and prosperity of a nation depends on the quality of its citizen, which is determined by the education each one receives.

Addressing the convocation of the Mizoram University at the varsity's campus in Tanhril near here, Patil said education is fundamental for development giving emphasis on creative and scientific education for all-round development.

"Calibre of a university depends on the works of its lecturers and professors," she said, adding that the faculty is like its life.

Patil, who is also the visitor of the University, asked the students to have close interaction with the local community to understand their problems and find a solution. 

The phenomenon of 'Mautam' or famine caused by gregarious
bamboo flowering which occurred in the state in a cycle of every 48 years and the extent of destruction caused by 'jhum' or shifting cultivation, where land is first cleared by burning or felling trees, must be taken up for scientific research and study, she said.

The president lauded the hospitality of the Mizos saying, "The hospitality of Mizoram is world renowned."

The convocation was also attended by state governor Lieutenant General MM Lakhera, chief minister Lal Thanhawla and his council of ministers, legislators and top officials.