Kerala among leading states on human development parameters due to power of education: President

kottayam (kerala): president droupadi murmu on thursday said the power of literacy, education, and knowledge has enabled kerala to be among the leading states on several human development parameters.she was speaking at st thomas college, pala, on the occasion of its platinum jubilee celebrations.murmu cited sree narayana guru, a great sage, social reformer, and poet, saying enlightenment can be achieved through education. “an area that lacks education may remain an area of darkness. the light of education illuminates the path to individual and collective progress,” she said, appreciating the college's efforts in “spreading the light of education.”the president also highlighted former president k r narayanan, born in a small village in kottayam, whose journey from humble beginnings to the highest office “showcases his exceptional calibre and the democratic spirit of india.” she said his life inspires us and reminds that the greatest service to fellow human beings is helping them realize their true potential.murmu stressed that education is key to exploring opportunities for development and growth. “the 21st century is described as the 'knowledge century'. knowledge that drives innovation takes a society forward and makes it self-reliant. the power of literacy, education, and knowledge has enabled kerala to be among the leading states on several human development parameters,” she said.the president spoke about kottayam's “glorious chapters” of social and educational transformation. “the great movement for eradication of untouchability, famous as the vaikom satyagrah, took place in kottayam a hundred years ago. kottayam is known as 'akshara-nagari' because it has been a fountainhead of literacy and education. the first printing press in kerala, and one of the earliest in india, was established in kottayam.”she noted that the 'sakshara keralam' movement was strengthened by active efforts of the people of kottayam. “p n panicker's initiative to promote learning through the library movement was inspired by a simple but powerful message: 'vayichu valaruga', meaning read and grow,” she said.referring to the college, murmu said its emphasis on holistic learning and social justice “promotes values of sustainability and inclusivity” and noted its illustrious alumni, including former chief justice of india k g balakrishnan, union and state ministers, civil servants, and diplomats.she added that civilisations have thrived on riverbanks, and the college's location on the meenachil river, “the lifeline of this place,” calls for sustained efforts to keep the waterbody clean.