He said educational institutions should involve students in community services from young age and the students be encouraged to join National Cadet Corps (NCC) and take up National Service Scheme (NSS) activities.
Speaking at the 21st Graduation Day of Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College in Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, Naidu stressed the need for schools and colleges to train students in yoga as physical fitness is equally important in the present-day, fast paced world.
Youngsters must avoid junk food and develop healthy dietary practices as food plays an important role in the overall wellbeing of an individual, Naidu told the students.
Noting that education must aim at character-building, inculcate moral values and develop social consciousness among students, Naidu said educational institutions must also involve students in community services from a young age.
"The students must also be encouraged to join NCC and take up NSS activities for fostering team spirit and camaraderie among them," Naidu said.
Naidu said education must mould the character and nurture students to become responsible, productive members of society and equip them with the ability to overcome any adversity with equanimity.
According to Naidu, educational institutions must lay greater emphasis on skill development and establish industry linkages to give students firsthand experience of working in an enterprise and at the same time cultivate the spirit of entrepreneurship to enable them to stand on their own feet.
"Founded by His Holiness Srimad Andavan Swamigal, and inaugurated by the then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1996, this prestigious institution has been serving the cause of higher education for the past 23 years," Naidu said.
( With inputs from IANS )