BANGALORE: Motivating students to become progressive citizens, Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth, Dr Neeraj Patil inspired hundreds of students gathered at the Amrutotsava2011 organised by Amruta Institute of Engineering and Management Sciences on Monday.
"Be proud to be an Indian. Be a progressive citizen helping poor and needy and prioritise your work," Dr Patil advised the students.
"Do not try to be a Britisher or American or Egyptian but always be an Indian. India was the richest country 400 years ago and it will be rich again in another 100 years. Our country has abundant natural resources and it is the ninth largest economy and world largest democratic country," he added.
However, he also said: "Indians should also be ashamed of having large number of poor children than in Africa."
Attributing his success to Bhagavad Gita, the mayor of London Borough of Lambeth said that he did not believe in any religion but Gita had always been an inspiration and motivating force behind his success.
Veteran actress Tara was also present in the function. Prizes were distributed to the students for their excellence in academics, sports and various cultural performances.