Cuttack: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi stressed the need to encourage students to take up leadership roles and contribute to nation-building. Attending the Provincial Principals’ Conference at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Cuttack on Thursday, Majhi said, “It’s high time we focus on building students into good political leaders who can bring change and shape the future of the country.” The conference was organized in collaboration with Vidya Bharati and Shiksha Vikas Samiti and witnessed the participation of principals and educationists from across the state. Addressing the conference, Majhi said, “While traditionally parents and teachers focus on shaping students to become doctors and engineers, which is important and must continue, there is also now an urgent need to groom students into becoming responsible leaders.” “We need young minds who can ensure good governance and dedicated public service. It’s time we invest in building leaders for the future who will lead with integrity, vision and a commitment to the nation,” he said, urging educators to nurture leadership qualities alongside academic excellence he added. He praised the efforts of Vidya Bharati in instilling value-based education and fostering patriotism and leadership in young minds. The gathering resonated with discussions around strengthening school leadership, promoting character building and enhancing moral education in the curriculum.