Panaj: Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Mr. Pratap Singh Rane highlighted the importance of education and said it plays an important role in the progress of an individual as well as the country.

He also emphasized on women's education and said that educational opportunities should also be given to women; for the knowledge they gain, would surely be passed on to the next generation.

Rane was speaking as the Chief Guest at a function organized by State Bank of India, Keri and Honda Branch to felicitate meritorious Class 12 students from Shree Bhumika Higher Secondary School, Parye, at Keri yesterday.

Of the 9 students who were felicitated for topping the merit list, 8 were girls.

"Education is everything. People are made aware of what is going on in the world and can understand these issues and take necessary measures. If people are educated, it is not difficult to find a job", he asserted.

He complemented the meritorious students and stressed that women are excelling in every field including the education, economic and social fronts.

Speaking about the felicitation functions, he said these not only encourages students to come up in life, but also motivates others to emulate those excelling in their studies.

AGM of State Bank of India - Mohan Ganeshan, Principal of Shree Bhumika Higher Secondary School - Sadanand Hinde and Branch Manager SBI Keri - P. R. Madgaonkar also spoke on the occasion.

By - Sanjay Borkar

The writer is an NNE freelance journalist based in Goa.