Mumbai: President Pratibha Patil Wednesday said that education is the most potent instrument for empowering people and called upon schools and teachers to promote high moral and cultural values among their students.

Speaking at the 150th anniversary of the prestigious Cathedral and John Connon School in south Mumbai, Patil said that without education, a human being is like a ship without a compass that has no way of knowing how near the harbour is.

"An effective education system is one that prepares the youth to navigate the journey of life meaningfully," she said.

Urging schools and teachers to impart high moral and cultural values among students, the president said that schools constitute the basic pillars of a nation's education edifice.

"The stronger a system of school education, greater the prospects of progress of a country. Therefore, it is very necessary for schools to impart good education and make students understand the worthiness of discipline, integrity and doing their work with dedication," Patil said.

Calling upon students to shun narrow creeds and build a path for betterment of society, Patil said they must aim to become "intellectually competent and technically skilled" since the country needs their talent and services.

"Young students and the youth of the country, therefore, must channelise their skills in developing balanced personalities with positive attitudes, engage in extra-curricular and sports activities," said Patil.

Lauding the Cathedral and John Connon School for providing an atmosphere of academic excellence, encouraging sports and extra-curricular activities, she pointed out that the reputation of any educational institution is measured through the success and talent exhibited by its students.

Among the distinguished alumni of the school are the late industrialist J.R.D. Tata and scientist Homi Bhabha.

Earlier, Patil also released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the school's 150th anniversary.

Situated in the heart of south Mumbai, the school was pioneered and funded by a philanthropist, lawyer and editor, John Connon, after whom it was named posthumously.

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