President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said the future of the country depends on the capacities, moral values and compassion of the younger generation and that it is essential to link youth with the process of nation building.

Addressing the “48th Conference of Governors” at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Kovind said special attention needed to be paid to higher education and skill development at the state level.

The President pointed out that 69 per cent of the universities in the country fall under the purview of state governments and 94 per cent of all college and university students study in these institutions, a statement said.

In his opening address, Kovind said that Governors play the role of a bridge between the central government and states.

“The obligation of Governors to preserve and uphold the Constitution and commit themselves to the service and welfare of the people is even more pronounced in the current paradigm of co-operative federalism,” Kovind said.

He added that critical milestones had been set for 2022 which marks the completion of 75 years of Independence.

“This period is only five years away, and the government has resolved to build a society that is safe and secure, prosperous, ensures opportunity for all, and is a leader in science and technology.”

“Given the magnitude of this task, it is necessary that the entire country works unitedly and is on the same page. The five years from 2017 to 2022 are devoted to the creation of New India — free of corruption, poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and unhygienic conditions,” Kovind said.

He added that a strong foundation would also be laid for the coming generations.

“In order to ensure ‘Team India’ advances in a single direction to achieve these national goals, governors should inspire and connect all relevant stakeholders in their respective states.”

The President said being an intrinsic part of the legislative system in their states, Governors could provide a new dimension to development by communicating with legislators, university chancellors and vice-chancellors, academicians, social workers and other enlightened citizens.

The dream of a developed India will be realised, he said, only when every state develops.

The two-day conference is being attended by 27 Governors and three Lt. Governors of states and union territories. The administrators of the UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep are also participating as special invitees, the statement added.