SPEECH OF HONOURABLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF 63RD FOUNDERS DAY FUNCTION OF THE PUNJAB PUBLIC SCHOOL, NABHA ON NOVEMBER 8, 2023 AT 12.00 NOON

  • PRB
  • 2023-11-08 18:30

I extend my heartiest congratulations to The Punjab Public School, Nabha on the 63rd Founders’ Day Celebrations.
I extend my warm felicitations to each one of you, those on the dais and among the audience, who have been part of the journey of the Punjab Public School Nabha.
The students of Punjab Public School Nabha are fortunate to have a best equipped School with outstanding teachers to teach.
Teachers have the biggest influence on the minds of children. Along with parents, it is teachers who develop character, instill ambition and values, and build confidence among students. In short, teachers transform the lives of students.
Friends,
Education, I believe, is not a process to prepare students for the next class; it is a process to prepare them for life.
A student is simultaneously a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister and a grandson or a granddaughter, and so on. At the same time, he or she is also a member of society, the city, the State, the nation and finally the universe.
The School is where we have to remind the student of his or her obligation to society, his responsibility as a citizen of the country and finally his obligation to the world as its unique member. This is particularly necessary as children of the present time are global citizens.
Speaking of education, Swami Vivekananda had said, and I quote: “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.” (unquote).
I call upon teachers and parents to lay utmost emphasis on character formation of the students. We have to create in our students’ pride of our own cultural heritage and civilization.
I will particularly ask parents and teachers to communicate with children, understand them and address their concerns.
Ladies & Gentlemen
At the very foundation of the entire process of learning is our natural ‘urge to know’. It is this urge to know the why, how and when about natural events taking place around us that has contributed to the evolution of man from the primitive period to the modern times.
As teachers and as parents, we have to keep this flame of curiosity and the urge to know, alive and burning among the students.
In India, we did have this vibrant spirit of enquiry since time immemorial.
But, over the years, unfortunately, and inadvertently we started dictating to students “what to learn”. We are not enabling them “how to learn”. An urgent course correction, I believe is needed in this regard.
An American journalist Sydney J Harris once wrote and I quote, “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” (unquote).
We want a generation of students who are willing to look out of the window, who are ready to serve society and play their part in addressing some of the persistent problems of our nation like poverty, illiteracy, deprivation and ignorance.
Schools will have to constantly innovate and understand what students want to learn. The days of uni-dimensional learning are over. Teachers will have to become facilitators in the process of learning. They will have to become techno-savvy to gel with students.
My dear students,
As you all know, we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the completion of 75 years of Independence. It is a momentous occasion for all of us. But it is even more important for all of you. By the end of next 25 years, when we will be celebrating 100 years of our Independence, we aim to join the league of developed nations. In order to achieve this national goal, it is important for the young people like you to work with enthusiasm and contribute to the development of our country. 
Today, I would like to talk to you about upholding values and character. In a world obsessed with materialism and instant gratification, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Our culture and heritage have always stressed the importance of values such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and respect. As students, it is your responsibility to not only acquire knowledge but also to imbibe these values. They are the building blocks of your character and will guide you through life’s challenge.
I hope you remember Gandhiji’s three monkeys that give us timeless lesson in goodness. See no evil, hear no evil and do no evil. This precisely is the way to lead a carefree, fearless and unsullied life.
The reason behind the growing evil in society is we have deviated from this secret to lead a pure life. Modern day gadgets have presented you with the challenge of striking a balance. Almost everything good or bad is packaged in the devices. The commercial interests in the market override the larger good. Here comes your responsibility of using your discretion judiciously. Ask yourself whether doing a particular thing will enhance the quality of your life or further dilute it. You will get the answer.
In a world where our lives are increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, it is essential to address the need for digital detox. The digital world has given us unparalleled connectivity and access to information, but it has also blurred the lines between work, leisure and personal space. Many of us find ourselves constantly glued to our screens, which can lead to stress, anxiety and a sense of disconnection from the real world. I encourage you to take regular breaks from your devices, to reconnect with nature, your family, and yourselves. Find moments of quiet and reflection to recharge your mind and spirit. Don’t just look down into your gadgets,  look up and look out. Remember, “there is more to learn from brooks (rivers) than books!” Nature is a great teacher.
I hope you have comprehended my message.
I wish you the very best of luck for your future life and I convey my very best wishes to the Board of Governor, the Headmaster, staff, students, parents, old Nabhaites and guests.
Wish you all a very happy Deepawali. 
Thank you,
Jai Hind.