Universities should be active in protecting environment, says Governor

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday urged universities to play a proactive role in environmental protection and conservation, along with imparting quality education. He also called for regular cleanliness drives on campus to maintain hygiene.

Presiding over the 13th Convocation of Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University in Ballari, the Governor, who is the Chancellor of the university, quoted the former President late Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as saying, “Nations are built in educational institutions.”

Mr. Gehlot emphasised the need for transforming universities into centres of excellence by fostering innovation, research, development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Highlighting the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, Mr. Gehlot underscored the importance of digital literacy, innovative thinking, a global outlook and social responsibility.

He urged students to become lifelong learners and called upon the youth to contribute to making India self-reliant and developed by 2047 through talent, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Our country has been a beacon of knowledge for thousands of years, with remarkable contributions in the Vedas, the Upanishads, Ayurveda, Yoga, Philosophy and Law. The National Education Policy 2020 recognises these streams in the modern education system. Our youth must research and present this knowledge on the global stage as India advances toward becoming a Vishwa Guru,” the Governor said.

He also highlighted India’s recent achievements from Chandrayaan missions to artificial intelligence innovations, unicorn start-ups and digital payment systems stressing that the youth are the driving force behind the nation’s progress. Quoting Swami Vivekananda as saying, he urged students to “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved” inspiring them to translate knowledge into action.

During the convocation, honorary doctorate was conferred upon Vasundhara Bhupathi, Bavihalli Naganagouda and Irfan Razack for their outstanding contribution in the fields of education, literature, health and social service.

Director, Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, Avinash Chandra Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of the university M. Muniraju and several other dignitaries attended the event.