Minister for primary and secondary education Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri said the education system introduced by the British still in vogue in the country should be replaced by nationalistic education system.

Laying the foundation stone of the administrative and library block of Sharada Vidyanikethana Residential Public School in Talapady near here on Saturday, Kageri said the present education system is a hurdle in the way of taking the country on the path of overall progress.

"Education should provide clear and correct vision for life. It should not just be confined to a quest for knowledge or to get a job," Kageri said adding that spirituality should get due place in education. Noting that this would help inculcate nationalism and love for Indian culture among the children, the minister said the government would try and usher in a similar concept in educational institutions managed by it.

Delivering benedictions on the occasion, the seer of Sri Gokarna Parthagali Jeevotham Math Sri Vidyadhiraja Teertha Swami said the teachers should strive to expand their knowledge base so that they could guide the students on to the right path. Pointing out at the fast rate of technical development in the world, the seer said educational institutes should give due importance to develop humanitarian qualities among the students.

Describing teaching as a noble profession, the seer said teachers should impart knowledge of culture along with regular education.

Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swamiji of Sri Adhokshaja Pejawar Math, J Krishna Palemar, district in-charge minister, U T Khader, Mangalore MLA spoke. Ganesh Karnik, MLC, N Yogish Bhat, Mangalore City North MLA, Jayanthi R Pakkala, president, Talapady gram panchayat were present.