Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi today called for imparting skill training along with inculcating cultural education among the younger generation for their holistic development.The Minister was speaking during Annual Day function of S.D Tara Puri, High School, Gandhi Nagar at Abhinav theatre here today where she was present as a Chief Guest.MLC, Romesh Arora ,MLC Vkram Randhawa, Prof. Anju Bhasin Vice Chancellor Cluster University, Jammu and Director School Education, Jammu ,S. Ravinder Singh, were the guests of honour.On the occasion an impressive and colourful function was organized by the school. The programme began with the lightning the ceremonial lamp followed by Ganesh Vandana performed by the senior wing students. The Dignitaries also launched the 1st edition of school magazine '`Vasudha" on the occasion.During her address, the Minister exhorted upon schools to include the elements of vocational training as a part of their curriculum to nurture the children from the very beginning and asked the youth to gain the wealth of State’s rich cultural heritage.
The Minister also stressed on promotion of regional languages and called for collective efforts to promote the Dogri language on world stage.Writers, Film makers, singers and other literary artists have a major role to play in preserving the regional languages through their work”, the Minister maintained.Highlighting government’s initiatives, the Minister said that the government has taken several measures including imparting vocational training, launching career guidance programmes, and scholarship schemes besides building enhanced infrastructure for educational, sports and cultural activities to ensure a platform for the younger generation.Priya said that the founding members and executive body of the school has contributed towards the society by working on the principal of developing not just great students but great human beings.“Schools must focus on overall education as an essential part of student’s life”, the Minister said, adding that, teachers also have a key part to play in the character building of a child as they are the role models for the students.
She asked Director School Education to put a mechanism for organising vocational training with the school staff of private schools to equip them with the required training skills so that they can further train the students.Priya congratulated the school management for organising an impressive function based on the theme of Patriotism and further appreciated the creativity put in by the organising staff to make the event a memorable one.The Annual day was also reserved for a gala presentation with a glittering bonanza of dances captivated the audience. Songs like’ Desh Rangila' and 'Jai Ho' left the audience enormously spell bound.All the meritorious students in board exams and students those who played at National level were awarded by the dignitaries.Principal, Neeru Puri highlighted the achievements of the school in Annual Report with the vision and mission of the school. The vote of thanks was conveyed by the School President S.S. Malhotra whereas Amar Chauhan conducts the proceedings for the event.All the students of the school participated enthusiastically.