Dubai: The Indian President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on Wednesday urged university students in the UAE to be goodwill ambassadors of India on the world stage, while reiterating her nation’s support of UAE education initiatives.
"Aim to be, not merely symbols of the success of individuals and institutions, but represent the strengths, potential and future of a resurgent India on the world stage," she said.
Patil was addressing a packed crowd of university students and faculty members from four prominent Indian universities, at the Dubai Academic City - Manipal University, BITS Pilani, IMT Dubai and S.P. Jain Centre of Management.
The event, which took place at the Dubai Men’s College auditorium on Wednesday evening, was also attended by principals and faculty members from over 50 Indian schools from across the UAE.
She recognised the historic links between the UAE and India and pointed out that India will become a force to be reckoned with in coming years. As such, she believes, it offers great opportunities for students to make a difference.
"The UAE is part of our extended neighbourhood,” Patil said, reminding the audience that there’s been a regular exchange of ideas and knowledge between the two nations down through history. The president also drew attention to the importance given to quality education by the UAE in the Vision 2020 document.
In terms of educational institution, the clustering mode followed, initially by Knowledge Village and more recently by Dubai International Academic City, has attracted a high level of talented teachers from all over the world, she said.
"I wish to felicitate the visionary leadership of the UAE for the successes in their endeavours, and assure them of India's continued support and interest in their initiatives," she said reaffirming India’s commitment to what she called "borderless knowledge".
The President said she felt heartened that globally recognised Indian institutes of education are increasingly setting up bases abroad in clusters like Dubai International Academic City. “Brand India has been served well by our world recognised educational institutes”.
