Education must nurture responsible citizens, not just degree holders: Sharma
Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur
Excellence in education is not about producing more graduates but about nurturing responsible, ethical and compassionate human beings, said former Tata Steel executive and Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) East Zone Director Prabhat Sharma while addressing the Sona Devi University Excellence in Education Awards ceremony.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Excellence in Education: The Foundation of a Better Society,” Sharma emphasised that excellence is not synonymous with perfection but is a continuous journey of self-improvement, commitment and integrity.
“Excellence is not a destination; it is a habit of consistently striving to become better than we were yesterday,” he said, quoting the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s famous words: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Sharma said education should extend beyond academic qualifications and employment opportunities. According to him, the true purpose of education is to shape character, foster critical thinking, encourage creativity and prepare responsible citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
He stressed that educational excellence requires creating an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, think independently, innovate confidently and uphold strong ethical values. He said institutions must move beyond rote learning and focus on understanding, practical application and lifelong learning.
Highlighting the crucial role of teachers, Sharma described educators as nation-builders whose influence extends far beyond classrooms. “An excellent teacher does not merely impart knowledge but inspires curiosity, builds confidence and shapes future leaders,” he said.
He also called upon educational institutions to promote academic rigour, innovation, research and inclusivity while ensuring equal learning opportunities for every student. According to him, excellence can only flourish in an ecosystem that values continuous improvement and holistic development.
Referring to the rapidly changing global landscape driven by artificial intelligence, digital technologies and increasing connectivity, Sharma said today’s students must be equipped not only with technical expertise but also with communication skills, emotional intelligence, teamwork, resilience and ethical decision-making abilities.
