Mayurbhanj, Dec 6: Education is the only path that drives progress and, thus, both teachers and parents should encourage children to pursue studies, President Droupadi Murmu said while addressing schoolchildren at her native village Uparbeda in Mayurbhanj district today. 

The President remembered the struggles of her school days while advising children to come to schools regularly and attend classes. 

"During our school days, we didn't get a pen and khata as you have with you today. We used to write with feather pens. We had to bind a bunch of papers using a needle and thread. Now, you have ball pens and nice notebooks," the President said. 

Terming children as the country's future, the President said there is no other path than education which would help children progress in life. "Thus, teachers and parents should always motivate children to pursue studies. 

The President said she loves her village people more than her family. "I take people of my village as my family members," she said. 

She remembered how villagers used to gather at a particular place in the village where 'Kirtan' (Devotional songs presented amid beating of Mridanga and cymbals) was being performed. She said such gatherings helped to create unity among the villagers. 

On her arrival, the President was warmly received by teachers, parents, students, and villagers. 

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