SPEECH OF HON'BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARIAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF CONVOCATION AT PUNJABI UNIVERSITY PATIALA ON DECEMBER 9, 2021

Convocations are auspicious occasions. Simply put, these are assemblies of the enlightened and of the seekers of understanding.

The very word Dikshant Samaroha evokes a festive gathering to celebrate the maturing of the quest for understanding by those who, some time ago, chose to learn, to understand, to know.

Convocation ceremonies are, in this sense, send-off festivals in which the persons who have been properly initiated into learning are sent off into the world to spread the light and music of understanding and to make the world a better place for all.

Congratulations to Punjabi University on this great occasion.

I understand that not all universities have the clarity of vision that is embodied in the mandate of Punjabi University. The founders of this institution knew that, the world after the Second World War, was rushing towards a reductive, simplistic idea of itself. That several languages and cultures faced extinction, which would leave the world terribly poorer. They also understood that Punjabi culture, literature and language deserve to be cherished and honored as the heritage of humankind. I believe this was the idea that inspired the foundation of Punjabi University.

It delights my heart to see that this University has lived up to the vision of its founders. Established in 1962, it has grown into a multi-disciplinary university with more than fifteen thousand students, more than a thousand teachers, as many as twenty seven other campuses (including regional centres, neighborhood campuses and constituent colleges) and 274 affiliated colleges. The alumni of Punjabi University have made and are making immense contribution to the fortunes of the state, the region, the country and the world.

In recognition and appreciation of the work that Punjbai University is doing for the people, I gather that Punjab Government has recently reiterated its commitment to further strengthen this University. So, let us work sincerely and do our duty most sincerely to uphold the vision of the founders of this institution.

As you know, the cornerstone, is the first stone set while building the foundation. Education, in that sense, is the cornerstone in the foundation of our nation-building. India has always prided itself in placing knowledge above all. A need was felt to align modern education with our rich heritage in such a way that it would help us respond better to the challenges of the twenty-first century. With that vision, a new National Education Policy was introduced in the country.

We need to march on the path set by the National Education Policy to make India a 'Knowledge Super Power' by combining the relevant knowledge of our tradition with modern science.

At the juncture, I would like to stress specially the importance of character building in educational institutions. Albert Einstein once said, 'Most people say that it is intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong, it is character. Character building goes beyond being good. To be able to distinguish between good and evil and to stand on the side of goodness is the first step towards character building. One must have the courage of conviction in the greatness of goodness, rise above jealously, suspicion and other petty failings and have the strength to support all those who are doing good work. This is the true essence of character building. Besides development of skills, education in colleges should also lay stress on character building and in inculcating a nationalistic spirit in the students.

On the subject of character building, Swami Vivekananda has pointed out, and I quote, "We need education through which character is formed, strength of mind is increased and the intellect is expanded by which one can stand on his own feet. This is the true essence of character building. Academic brilliance, combined with a healthy mind in a robust body and character embellished with a nationalistic spirit is what a student must aspire for. All the institutions which provide education should focus on guiding and leading the students on this noble path. India's biggest resource is the youth who can be trained gainfully to reap the benefits of the demographic dividend.

In this context role of teachers is very important. Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan used to say, "One can shape National Solidarity by using neither bricks and lime nor hammer and chisel. It should bloom in the heart of every human. For the flower to emit fragrance we need to water the plant in the form of education". I expect all the professors assembled here to be as good teachers as our tradition expects you to be.

India's higher education system has expanded to reach out to serve the rural and marginalised sections. In the process, it has become the third largest education system in the world. However, there is no room for complacency, and we have to catch up for the lost time if we aspire to scale greater heights.

Indian had a rich system of education prior to the British rule. Gandhiji described it as a "Beautiful tree" that was cut down by what the British rulers called reforms. We are yet to fully recover from those drastic changes and recover our legacy.

The National Education Policy 2020 is a well planned and decisive step in that direction. It has a holistic vision of transforming the way children and youth will be educated to make learning a part of personal development while also serving the needs of society. To this end, it brings together the best of our ancient heritage and the best of the modern learning. It gives emphasis on moral education and awareness of Indian culture. A student coming out of such a system will have higher degree of self confidence and will also be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

Moreover, the new policy also takes into account what is needed to build a prosperous and self reliant nation. For this, the higher education system must enable equity, expertise and empowerment. As Sir C.V. Raman has put it, higher education institutions should lead the nation towards knowledge expansion and economic growth. That precisely is the thrust of the new policy.

My dear young friends

Graduation is an important stepping stone in your life. All of you have worked hard to reach this stage today. I am sure you are eager and excited to contribute to the world and bring about change in the lives of the people. Today, you are taking countless memories with you. But beyond the little joys and sorrows you take away from here, there is a huge responsibility on each one of you to pay back to the society and country which have contributed to your education and success so far.

I would suggest that throughout your life you should always look at the famous talisman of Mahatma Gandhi. "Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man or woman whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny?”

I advise you to never judge your success only in terms of material gains. You don’t have to limit yourself by the pressures of conventional notions of success and societal pressures. You need to figure out what you really want to do in your life. Choose to do what gives you satisfaction and meaningfulness. Do what takes you closer to your aspirations. Do what makes your families proud of you. Plan for yourself a fruitful and productive path ahead.

And in whatever manner you choose, please give back to society. Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the Guru of Swami Vivekananda used to say “शिव ज्ञाने जीव सेवा” – which means, serving people is the same as serving Shiva or God. So, help those who are marginalized and less fortunate.

You also always have to remember that knowledge, ideas and skills are not static, not like a stone, not stationary, but these are eternal. It’s a continuous process and there’s always a scope for course correction, but both knowledge and power come with responsibility. As you leave this campus, carry your learning with humility.

A couple of days ago I was in village Khatkar Kalan, in SBS Nagar. I got the opportunity of visiting the Museum and Memorial built in the memory of Shaheed-e – Azam Bhagat Singh……A young patriot who sacrificed his life for the freedom of our motherland. Thousands of known and unknown patriots gave their lives for the country’s freedom. Their contribution makes my heart swell with pride and my head bows to them with reverence. We, my friends did not get the opportunity to die for the country. But, today we have got the opportunity to LIVE for our country.

We are not in that period, but even today, the opportunity to serve the motherland is the same. If the youngsters sacrificed their youth for independence then, we can learn to live for a self-reliant India and we can show this as well. Today, we don’t have to become a movement for freedom struggle but we have to usher a movement for self-reliant India; become a soldier for this movement or lead this movement. This is my expectation from you my young friends -- that we have to thrust ourselves for self-reliant India.

Indianness is your legacy and strengthening it is your duty. The great social revolutionary and architect of our Constitution, Dr. Babasahab Ambedkar always considered the country’s interest to be the foremost. He had said and I quote, "I want all people to be Indian first, Indian last and nothing else but Indians.” Unquote.

I wish you all the best invoking the ancient mantra from Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad: तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। ….From darkness unto light, lead us!

Do well in your careers, make your alma mater proud, and value with humility the privilege of your education.

I once again congratulate all of you and wish you a happy, successful and bright future. I also extend my best wishes to the faculty members, teaching and non-teaching staff, and the family members and guardians of the graduating students on this momentous day.

Thank You,

Jai Hind.