New Delhi, Sept. 4 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with this year's National Awardee teachers at his residence, hailing their role in shaping the nation's future and urging them to instil the spirit of self-reliance among students.

Highlighting the importance of reducing dependence on foreign goods, the Prime Minister said, "Sometimes we don't even know how foreign products have entered our house... Children should sit and make a list of all the foreign things they use in a day... You can motivate a whole new generation. We have the good fortune to complete the work that Mahatma Gandhi has left for us."

Congratulating the awardees ahead of Teachers' Day, he noted that their recognition is the result of dedication ...