The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the Annual Day Function of Gondia Education Society today (February 9, 2014) at Gondia.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India is fortunate to have a large young population to take forward her aspirational agenda of change. The 13-35 years’ age group in our country accounts for more than 40 per cent of the population. The proportion of working age population between 15 and 59 years is increasing, with 63.5 million being added likely to this group between 2011 and 2016. Within a decade, India will have the world’s largest workforce, which will account for two-third of her population.

The President paid homage to Late Manohar-bhai Patel, the founder of Gondia Education Society on his birth anniversary and said Late Patel overcame great hardships in life and rose to become an industrialist, political leader, philanthropist and social reformer. Inspired by Gandhian ideals, he worked for the betterment of the society and the Gondia Education Society was the culmination of his visionary efforts. The President urged the students to do their best for the development of country and for their personal advancement also.