US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Bollywood star Aamir Khan found a common platform on Saturday when both made an earnest call for bright youngsters to take up teaching to narrow the gap between talent and education opportunities across India.

At an interaction with students at St Xavier’s College, Clinton said India and the US could work together on “the common cause of educational opportunity”.

Aamir Khan, actor and ambassador for Teach India and TFI( Teach For India) was present at the function organized by the two organizations.

“Education,” said Hillary,” is an issue dear and near to my heart. I believe every child can learn. I think that talent is distributed universally, but opportunity is limited. And that is true in every country to a lesser or greater degree…It is up to us, families, governments, businesses, and educational institutions to narrow the gap. Education remains the great equalizer and the gateway to opportunity.”
On challenges that the US education system faces, Clinton said: “Our educational system has the greatest schools and universities. Yet, we don’t take care of those who fall behind.”
She said a part of the challenge is in ensuring that those from the marginalized groups get adequate attention in schools. “We still have much to do on equal education for all.”
Clinton spoke of the Teach India initiative, which asks volunteers to give two hours a week to teaching poor children. Teach India brings together people from all walks of life. It helps raise visibility of the challenges.

Aamir said,” I have the highest respect and regard for initiatives such as Teach India and TFI.” He was excited at the thought that 90 youngsters, the brightest minds in our country had given two years of their life to teach municipal children.