New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday emphasised that respect for women should not be limited to "words" but must also be demonstrated in "practice" and said it is the responsibility of teachers and parents to educate children in a way that ensures they always uphold the dignity of women.

"The status of women in any society is an important criterion for its development. It is the responsibility of teachers and parents to educate children in such a way that they always behave in accordance with the dignity of women. The respect of women should not be only in words but also in practice," Murmu said while speaking at the National Teachers Awards ceremony here.

Also Read | 'Dharavi Project a Mission To Restore Dignity for Over 1 Million Residents and Provide Them With Sustainable Living', Says Gautam Adani in Address at Teachers' Day 2024 Event.

The president said that it the duty of teachers to prepare citizens, who are not only educated but also sensitive, honest and enterprising.

Also Read | Teachers' Day 2024: PM Narendra Modi Extends Greetings to Teachers, Expresses Gratitude for Their 'Incredible Role in Shaping Young Minds and Country's Future'.

"Moving ahead in life is success but the meaning of life lies in working for the welfare of others. We should have compassion. Our conduct should be ethical. A successful life lies in the meaningful life. Teaching these values to the students is the duty of teachers," she said.

Murmu said teachers play the most important role in success of any education system.

"Teaching is not just a job. It is a sacred mission of human development. If a child is not able to perform well, then the education system and teachers have a bigger responsibility," she said.

She pointed out that teachers often focus only on students who excel academically.

"However, excellent academic performance is only one dimension of excellence. A child may be a very good sportsperson; some child might have leadership skills; another child enthusiastically participates in social welfare activities. The teacher has to identify the natural talent of each child and bring it out," Murmu said.

The president told teachers that the generation of their students will create a developed India. She advised teachers and students to have a global mindset and world-class skills.

"Great teachers build a great nation. Only teachers with a developed mindset can create citizens who will build a developed nation. I am confident that by inspiring students, our teachers will make India the knowledge hub of the world," she added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)