Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday announced that the government will set up Centres of Excellence in the state so students no longer need to go abroad for quality education.
He was speaking at the Praveshanolsavam celebrations, marking the start of a new academic year for lakhs of students in the state. Over 3.14 lakh students have enrolled in schools across Kerala, which reopened on Monday.
"We will bring institutions of excellence, advanced courses, and centres that promote scientific temper to Kerala," Satheesan said while inaugurating the state-level function at the Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School. He welcomed the new batch of students, highlighting the importance of knowledge, scientific temper, and parental involvement in education.
'He praised the significant role of mothers in enhancing the educational standards of the state. "A majority of participants in PTA meetings are mothers. Parents and teachers should maintain a close relationship and work together to identify and nurture the skills of children," the chief minister said.
Recalling his own school days, Satheesan spoke nostalgically about the excitement of reopening day.
He said that back then, it often rained on the first day of school. "We would walk through the rain carrying umbrellas. For us, the rain symbolised the reopening of schools."
Satheesan said the world is witnessing an unprecedented explosion of knowledge and information. The speed at which information is generated has increased tremendously. By the time an engineering student graduates, much of what they learned may already be outdated. Every minute brings discoveries, the chief minister said.
Satheesan urged parents and students to resist the spread of narcotic substances in the state actively. This is important because children are the state's greatest investment and will realise Kerala's future aspirations.