'Fighting against corruption and corrupt practices are very essential amongst our population,'' the President remarked addressing 298 winners of this year's Meritorious Teachers' Awards.

''If our nation is to march ahead and our people are to build a new India, an important beginning can come from the teachers themselves,'' Mrs Patil said, adding that ''You must not only be a teacher, but more.'' She asked teachers to be ''role models who instil good habits amongst the upcoming generation. In present times, values such as hard work, integrity and honesty; fighting against corruption and corrupt practices are very essential amongst our population.

''My dear teachers,'' she said, ''it is you who can instil such important values in your students to make them virtuous citizens, and for that you must also practise what you teach.

''Apart from parents and families, it is teachers who deeply influence the thinking of children. Later in life, it is the lessons of teachers that are recalled many a times.'' Mrs Patil underscored ''support and respect'' for teachers, who, on their part, should fulfil their responsibilities and ''be worthy of this respect.'' She said India was ''at a crucial stage'' where teachers' role in inspiring the nation's predominantly young population and fortifying youth with education, intellectual capacity and calibre ''is a calling of high responsibility.'' ''We have to be able to compete with the finest minds in the world. In this, a strong foundation of knowledge and values occupies a crucial position. That is why our teachers must be given all support and respect. Teachers should, on their part, fulfil their responsibilities and be worthy of this respect.'' She said teachers should ''teach with all sincerity and devotion and try to be ideal teachers.'' Teachers in villages, where students are often first generation school-goers, should pay highest attention to their education and be more particular and punctual, she stressed.

With primary education now a fundamental right for 6-to-14-year-olds, Mrs Patil emphasised the need to raise the number of teachers in the country. She said the gross enrolment ratio at school level must be increased from the present 73 per cent.

In this scenario of major initiatives in the education sector, the system must look at holistic development of Indian youth.

She stressed the importance of three points: that education is about knowledge, that knowledge without values is incomplete, and the need to build a spirit of working together constructively.

''Children in schools must be introduced to the world, its history and its dynamics. They must be acquainted with science and its wonders. They should learn about society and its evolution.

Languages will help them in building their communication skills.

''Mathematics, science, environment and other subjects are all very important. Hence, the curriculum has to be crafted in a manner which gives students an understanding of the world.

''The world is witnessing a new age based on knowledge, and we need teachers who will impart skills to student which are useful and relevant.

''For this, teachers should keep themselves apprised of skills required in the emerging world, and also keep themselves abreast of new teaching techniques and methodologies.

''Knowledge without values is incomplete. It is a value system that can prepare the younger generation to become responsible citizens, who contribute to the welfare of society and advancement of the human race.

''A mindset that boys and girls have equal status needs to be taught in the primary level schools, as also emphasising upon young minds, the many harms of social evil to individuals and societies.

''Concepts of peace, harmony and tolerance must be learned in school. They also need to be taught that we are a democratic nation, which means, there must be willingness to listen to the other's point of view, and to have respect for differing perceptions.

''The education system must strengthen adherence to secularism, inclusiveness and pluralism. These are the great values enshrined in our Constitution and developed by our civilisation.

''The third aspect which is important is to build a spirit of working together constructively. Students should work on their individual achievements, but at the same time be team players.

''Always thinking about one self, can later in time become a habit, which leads to the attitude of selfishly placing one's own interest before that of society.

''Success of nations, in the world of the future, will depend on how they can develop team work in various national activities, and especially in areas of technology and research.'' Teachers' Day is marked to commemorate the birthday of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan whom Mrs Patil described as ''an eminent scholar and Professor.'' Dr Radhakrishnan believed that "the end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature,'' Mrs Patil recalled.

''Teachers, who are the providers of education, are indeed, the makers of the end product of the process of learning - a productive human being with good values and a law abiding citizen.

''Students should be moulded in a manner that enables them to be able to confidently and independently stand on their feet. Their knowledge and skills should help them deal with the many challenges of life, irrespective of the circumstances they may face.

''It is said that an average teacher teaches; a good teacher explains; a superior teacher illustrates; and a great teacher inspires students.''