The government is keen to promote education, but the lack of resources has often been a hindrance, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said on Monday.
"Dedication and determination also seem to be missing," Vajpayee said at the 40th anniversary celebrations and foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Vivekanand Education Society's Hashu Advani Memorial Complex in Mumbai.
Asserting that it is not just a question of funds, but also willpower, the prime minister said that those who had it in them had gone ahead and built educational institutions for the society.
While stating that in today's competitive world a degree/diploma is of utmost importance, he expressed disappointment over the fact that illiteracy is plaguing India after so many years of independence.
Everyone should take up the responsibility of educating at least one individual, he said.
"The efforts of the government have fallen short. There is a necessity for non-governmental efforts too," Vajpayee said.
The prime minister said that India, which used to import food grains, can today boast of exporting it to various countries.
However, he said there are still many who are deprived of
Even during the massive drought that hit 14 states, Vajpayee said, there was neither any shortage of food grains, nor any rice in prices. Also, the days when India had to sell its gold for functioning are gone, he said.
India is taking significant strides in science and technology and its efforts are now being recognised worldwide. "Now is the time that we take advantage of this," he said.
Referring to Indians settled abroad, the prime minister said that even though they are progressing, they somehow don't manage to achieve the same in India.
He said it is time to develop a good environment so that these resources do not leave the country. This can happen only when educational institutions do not restrict to merely producing graduates, but ensure a new culture and value system that is beneficial to the country.
Vajpayee also lashed out at the oppositions for criticising the government's efforts to rewrite history books.
"For years they have misinterpreted history and when we attempt to place history in the right perspective, they accuse us," he said.
With inputs from the Press Trust of India
