President gives out Lakshmipat Singhania Awards

President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee gave away the Lakshmipat Singhania — IIM Lucknow National Leadership Awards 2016-17 here on Tuesday honouring six individuals for their outstanding social contribution and exceptional leadership talents in the field of Science and technology, social work and business.

Conferring the awards, Shri Mukherjee said, "It is important for us as a society to recognise leaders."

He also emphasised the fact to improve conditions of educational institutions which produce the next generation leaders.

Calling for the increased participation of the private sector to improve the education system, Shri Mukherjee said, "Despite economic growth in India, there has not been much research and innovation. We need more private sector participation in education, especially at the higher level."

Among the awardees were noted astrophysicist Professor Jayant Narlikar and Industry captain Shri Uday Kotak.

The awards were bestowed upon the winners by the President of India at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi during a grand ceremony by Honourable President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee.