The students should develop a mass movement and exert pressure on the political leaders to realize their responsibility as people’s representatives. The future of the nation is in the hands of the youth, who should work for bringing about the desired change in society and the nation. Keep in mind the nation first. The thought of the nation should not be optional but imperative. The universities should work to improve administration and offer opportunities to the students to become honest, non-corrupt and dedicated citizens of the nation. This was stated by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhad in his speech as the chief guest for the concluding function of centenary year celebrations of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, on Friday.
Dhankhad referred to the capability of the youth to change society and the nation. The wrong narratives set by corrupt people for the changes being brought about under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should be understood and rejected. He also suggested that the National Education Policy aimed at rejuvenating Indian ethos should be accepted with an open mind. At the same time the growing intolerance among the youth and children should be shed away through positive thinking. Criticism should be taken as an opportunity for improvement.
The world is looking towards India as a future leader. The manner in which critical issues were handled has earned India a prominent place in the world. The youth should generate the ecosystem which would exert pressure on the corrupt and anti-social elements. Dhankhad also advised the universities to make a federation of alumni associations to develop the entire education system. The donations of alumni should not go to foreign institutions. The alumni associations are think tanks and can develop the education system. Transformation in the educational and social system can be brought about by the youth. The educational institutions also have a responsibility to nurture the talent in their students, he said.
Dhankhad appreciated the approach and thoughts of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Ramesh Bais. RTMNU has produced luminaries in different fields. Dhankhad said that he was honoured to have been invited to the function of this university which has a glorious history.
Dhankhar was present with his wife Dr Sudesh Dhankhad. Governor and Chancellor Ramesh Bais, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister for Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil, RTMNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhari, Pro-VC Dr Sanjay Dudhe, Registrar Dr Raju Hiwase were present on the dais.
Bais said that this university has produced several prominent persons. He also stressed the National Education Policy should be accepted with an open mind. It can produce entrepreneurs. With the entire world looking at India, students should try to learn at least one foreign language. The university also has the responsibility to produce teachers of global standard. The University should also produce Yog as an important sector in preventive health.
Nitin Gadkari stressed the need to promote and support research, innovation and technology of high standards. He recalled the association of renowned personalities like M Vishveswaraya with the region. LIT has produced many prominent chemical engineers and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department has big personalities working in the field.
Gadkari also referred to developmental works for the region, which is rich in forest, minerals and other natural resources. The youth should be developed to fit the requirements of the industries which are coming here.
Fadnavis spoke about the rich history of the University, which produced five Governors, Five Chief Ministers, seven union ministers and prominent persons in the fields of judiciary, art, literature, social work etc.
Five prominent persons renowned microbiologist Dr H F Daginawala, President of Haldiram Group Shivkishan Agrawal, President of Yashvant Grameen Shikshan Sanstha, Wardha Prof Suresh Deshmukh; President of Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra Dr Nirupama Deshpande and Harishchandra Borkar associated with folk art and literature, were honoured with the Jeevan Sadhana award.
Prizes to university officers, employees, students, NCC cadets were also felicitated.