SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF 49TH CONVOCATION OF GNDU AMRITSAR ON APRIL 6, 2024 AT 4.00 PM.

49TH CONVOCATION OF GNDU AMRITSAR ON APRIL 6, 2024

 It gives me immense pleasure to be here today on the 49th Annual Convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

 At the outset, I extend my heartiest congratulations and felicitations to all the graduates, on reaching the cherished milestone of their lives.

 Fortunate are you, to have an opportunity, to graduate from an institution which has been spreading the light of knowledge since 1969. It is a university that has earned for itself a place of pride in the higher education landscape of the country.

 This university is named after the visionary saint Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached equality and compassion and stands as a beacon of enlightenment in a world often shrouded in darkness.

 श्री गुरू नानक देव जी के अवतरण के बारे में कहते हैं न कि ‘‘मिटी धुंध जग चानण होया’’

 I am happy that the university is standing upto its name and fostering in its students the attributes of tolerance, perseverance, conviction and self-reliance.

 Guru Nanak Dev University is growing vertically in its rankings and performance.

 It has been conferred with the status of “University with Potential for Excellence” by the UGC, and accredited with “A++” grade by NAAC.

 It has also attained 48th ranking in NIRF Ranking in 2023.

 The faculty of the university has also carved a niche for itself in their respective research areas and the H-Index has increased to 144 in 2023 from 64 in 2027.

 Likewise, the achievements of the university in the field of extracurricular activities and sports are noteworthy.

 Winning the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy, the highest sports awards for a university in the country, for a record number of 25 times, speaks volumes about the achievements of the university.

 The Golden Jublee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GJCEI) established in the university actively fosters entrepreneurship and innovation to drive economic growth locally and regionally.

 It boasts a cutting-edge infrastructure currently accommodating 19 start-ups and overseeing 7 innovation-driven projects worth approximately 70 lacs.

 It has entered into hon’ble international collaborations with Netherland, Canada and Japan.

 Guru Nanak Dev University has established a Centre for Agriculture Research and Innovation (CARI) with an aim to integrate research and education in the field of agriculture.

 This centre is focusing on cultivating high value non-traditional crops.

 Through collaboration with farmers, researches, entrepreneurs and investors CARI aims to consolidate an eco-system of entrepreneurship and innovation in the agriculture sector.

 This I believe, it is the need of the hour, in a primarily Agrarian State like Punjab.

My dear young friends,

 All endings are also beginnings. This phase in your life marks the ending of acquiring formal education as graduates but it also marks the beginning of your life as professionals.

 In the Gurukul tradition in India there were 3 stages in the process of education – श्रवण, मनन and निद्धियासन.

 Shravan means receiving knowledge through all senses.

 Manan means the process of thinking and churning through the mind, what has been heard.

 Nididhyasan means applying the heard knowledge into one’s life.

 So, now after completing a certain period of attaining knowledge, you have to give it a practical form.

 Here I would like to exhort that whatever you do, wherever you go, always follow the path of truth.

 As it is also said in Gurubani that सत्य सबसे ऊपर है यदि उससे भी ऊपर कुछ है तो वह है सत्य का आचरण; Truth is supreme, if there is anything higher than that, then it is, the following the path of truthfulness.

 I believe, one of the biggest challenges facing the country and the world today is the “Crisis of character”.

 Crisis of character is at the root of most of the problems. Today, there is a need to return to this basic goal of our education system.

 Gandhi Ji in 1925 in his weekly newspaper Young India, in an article highlighted Seven Social Sins.

Mahatma Gandhi Ji said that:-

Politics without principles,

Wealth without work,

Pleasure without conscience,

Knowledge without character,

Commerce without morality,

Science without humanity,

And

Worship without sacrifice are Social Sins.

 To all young men and women gathered here today, I would like to share that when values are not strongly held, people respond weakly to crisis which in turn threatens the social fabric. So, adherence to values should be part and parcel of your lives.

o Let discipline be your watchword.

o Let dedication be your friend.

o And let devotion to the Almighty be your guide.

 When values mould your character, the impact of your knowledge is bound to be respected and recognized.

 I firmly believe the words of Rabindra Nath Tagore who said and I quote: “Education is not the filling of pail, but the lightening of a fire” (unquote).

 So, acquiring specialized knowledge will not complete education, but the development of the ability for independent thinking and judgment is of utmost importance.

 Don’t have narrow sectarian thinking but a broad and empathetic understanding of life; become global citizens;  let “Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam” be your perspective.

 Your aim should extend beyond money-making; encompass broad considerations of upliftment of communities, protection of environment and promotion of social justice in your vision.

 Whether you choose to pursue a career in private sector, public sector or the non-profit sector, I urge you to approach your work with a sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference.

 Remember the success is not just about personal achievements, it is about lifting others up and creating opportunities who comes after you.

Friends,

 We are the 5th largest economy today. We are a thriving and well-functioning democracy. We have scaled the moon and now our eyes are set on the sun. We are the growth story that astonishes and inspires the world.

 But, we need to be conscious and not be complacent. The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and the skills and knowledge that served you well yesterday may not be sufficient for the challenges of tomorrow.

 So, stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never stop seeking new opportunities to expand your horizons and broaden your perspectives.

 To all the academicians gathered here, I would like to share the words of American President, Franklin D Roosevelt who once said and I quote: “We cannot always build the future for youth, but we can build our youth for the future” (unquote).

 So, continue performing your duty with dedication and mould your students into productive professionals and good human beings.

 One of the mantras of Indian education has been “शिक्षार्थ आइए सेवार्थ जाइए” meaning “Come for education, go for service”. So, you came to the university to get education, that work has been completed.  Use the knowledge you have acquired to serve the society and the nation.

 I once again congratulate all the students who have received the degrees today.

 I wish you a meaningful, purposeful and promising future ahead.

Thank you,  

Jai Hind.