Education is the only gateway for global recognition, says Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman

VIJAYAWADA: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman asserted that education alone is the true pathway to development and global recognition. She called upon students to focus on higher education and sports to bring prestige to India on the world stage. Addressing students at a programme in West Godavari district on Sunday, Sitharaman said both the central and state govts aim to see every student pursue higher education and reach greater heights in life. The union finance minister was speaking after inaugurating and dedicating infrastructure facilities worth Rs 18 lakh, provided by Union Bank, at the Zilla Parishad high school in Peda Mainavani (PM) Lanka village of Narsapuram mandal. The facilities include computers, science laboratories and other basic amenities aimed at strengthening digital and science-based learning for students. Nirmala Sitharaman adopted the village for its overall development. Interacting with the students, Nirmala Sitharaman posed questions to them and encouraged active participation in digital classes. She said digital education enables students to understand global developments and improve academic standards. She also advised teachers to ensure full attendance and give special attention to every student. She urged coastal region youth to pursue higher studies and serve the nation and the state with dedication. She assured that the govt stands ready to support the development and welfare of the region, while stressing that students must remain focused on their education. Along with academics, she said students should give equal importance to sports, noting that education and sports together bring recognition and prestige to India at the global level. She added that today’s youth carry the responsibility of shaping the future of the country through progressive thinking and commitment. Union minister of state for steel and heavy industries Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, State finance minister Payyavula Keshav,Irrigation minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, BJP state president PVN Madhav, district collector Chadalavada Nagarani, SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi, headmaster MD Ibrahim, school education committee chairman CH Narasimha Swamy, teachers, public representatives, alliance leaders, local residents, students and their parents were present.