I studied under the light of a kerosene lamp: PM

New Delhi: "I was born in a family of modest means. In my childhood I had to walk a long distance to go to school. I read under the dim light of a kerosene lamp. I am what I am today because of education. I want every Indian child, girl or boy, to be touched by the light of education. I want every Indian to dream of a better future and live that dream," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

That education for all is very close to the heart of the Prime Minister is clear from the fact that he chose to make a rare address to the nation as the fundamental Right to Education became a reality today.

The man, who is feted the world over for his erudition and learning, could not stop stressing on the importance of education. He said the government was committed to ensuring that all children irrespective of gender and social category have access to education and fund constraints would not be allowed to hamper implementation of the Right to Education Act now in force. (Read: Education is now a fundamental right)

"Our government, in partnership with state governments, will ensure that financial constraints do not hamper the implementation of the Right to Education Act," he said.

The Prime Minister recalled the desire of Gopal Krishna Gokhale when he had urged the Imperial Assembly to confer on the Indian people the Right to Education. Singh said about 90 years later, the Constitution was amended to enshrine the Right to Education as a fundamental right.

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"Today, our government comes before you to redeem the pledge of giving all our children the right to elementary education," Singh said adding "this demonstrates our national commitment to the education of our children and to the future of India". (Watch: Education is a national responsibility: Sibal)

Pointing out that India is a country of young people, he said "it is the belief of our government that if we nurture our children and young people with the right education, India's future as a strong and prosperous country is secure." (With PTI inputs)

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