'Education can lead to women empowerment, emancipation'

Bhubaneswar: Laying special emphasis on the schooling of girl child, President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said education can lead to empowerment and emancipation of women.

"There must be education which will empower them for their emancipation. Then they will be able to do more and contribute for the society," he said, inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Rama Devi women's college autonomous here.

Mukherjee asked people, especially women, to follow the practice of "each one, teach one".

"No matter what profession you are in - you may be in medicine or engineering - remember, you are all product of social investment. Society must expect a dividend from you," he said, asking all to contribute to society and nation-building.

Mukherjee said that despite having the infrastructure, India was lagging behind in quality education.

"Of the top 200 universities in the world recognised by rating agency, none of the Indian universities appear in that list. I have spoken like a parrot earlier on this. Why should it happen?" he asked and cited ancient Takshashila University and others which led scholars from all over the world in providing education.

Odisha Governor S C Jamir, state Chief Minister Navin Patnaik, were among other dignitaries present at the function.