Friday, February 25 2005 17:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam today (Feb 25, 2005) made a strong plea for a knowledge revolution through a new wave of investment in education at all levels, saying the "future of our great nation depends on the quality and content of our educational system."

In his address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget session, Kalam said that the Government would give priority to issues of both access and excellence in education and noted, "we need a modern educational system that promotes secular values and creates concerned, committed and competent citizens capable of meeting challenges of the 21st century".

Asserting efforts were needed to inculcate among people greater curiosity about the world around them and promote a scientific temper, he said some of the steps have already been taken by the Government to improve the educational system.

"Much more needs to be done and will be done," he said.

Referring to the paradox witnessed in the country, he regretted that "ours has been a knowledge-based civilization for millennia and yet we remain a country with a high rate of illiteracy".

"Today our best and brightest are at the forefront of the global knowledge economy and yet many of our schools and colleges are unable to meet aspirations of all those who seek the light of knowledge. This must change," he said.