Hatred or envy should not be aroused in the tender minds of children by highlighting past incidents, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

The President was addressing the diamond jubilee celebrations of Hindu College, Colombo, yesterday.

The President added that hatred, envy or having grudges can do nothing except arouse feelings of discontent and resentment regarding others.

'As adults we are duty bound to build a strong bond between all ethnic groups. It is useless to create animosity between each other. Adults have to point out the correct path to children to be a good citizen. Moreover, the adults should guide children to be valuable citizens and become an asset to society.', the President said. 'As a result of the peaceful situation in the country, we all are united and living peacefully as one nation under one flag. All can live happily without any fear. The way of living with kindness and compassion is learnt through Buddhism. There have been close connections between Hinduism and Buddhism', President Rajapaksa said.

'Due to terrorism it was hard to hold such an event even at a school or religious institution in the recent past. Social, cultural or religious events were no exceptions. As everyone is aware, social events also came under terrorist attacks, the President said.

President Rajapaksa said children have to be given a proper knowledge through education. No one can steal knowledge and it is invaluable. Therefore, children have to acquire a better knowledge aiming to be a good citizen, he said. The President further stressed that children should obey and respect their parents and teachers who always guide them on the correct path. President Rajapaksa said that Hindu College which is celebrating its 60th anniversary has a proud and glorious history.