A book is a better gift than a bouquet: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said knowledge should not be limited to literacy and that the real goal was to bring in social and economic changes. "The real goal should be for bringing in social and economic growth," he said. He stressed the need for digital literacy.

He also wanted youngsters to take a pledge for reading and also encourage others, adding a well read generation would help India grow. "There can be no joy greater than reading and no friend greater than knowledge," he said. "Youngsters have the capacity to make a better society and nation, and together we can once again make India a land of wisdom and knowledge," the Prime Minister said. He also appealed to people to give a book instead of bouquet while greeting.

Lauding Kerala's achievements in the field of education and literacy, Modi said the southern state has been a "torch bearer and inspiration" to the country in this regard. Kerala is the first in the country to become cent per cent literate state. The state also has the distinction of being the first to attain 100 per cent primary education, he said.

"Reading and knowledge should not be limited to expectations of work. We should develop the habit of social responsibility, service to the nation and humanity," he said.

"It is said that a literate woman can educate two families, but I say two generations. Kerala has set an example worth emulating in this regard," he said.

Modi also recalled the contributions of citizens, social organisations and religious leaders in the state's achievements in education. "Kerala's success in education could not have been achieved by governments alone. Citizens and social organisations have played an active role," he said.