SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF FELICITATE THE WINNERS FOR SAT PAUL MITTAL NATIONAL AWARDS, PRESENT SCHOLARSHIP AND TROPHIES TO THE WINNERS ON 133TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF PANDIT

It is a pleasure to be here to felicitate the winners ofSat Paul Mittal National Awards and tocommemorate our nation building achievements on the 133th birth anniversary of our first Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, who laid the foundations of a modern India.

I would like to thank Shri Rakesh Mittal for extending the invitation to me.

The Nehru Sidhant Kendra Trust is an organisation that has over the years showcased exceptional commitment to the cause of education. About 1,500 scholarships are given by the Trust every year to students in schools and colleges, from vulnerable backgrounds to be able to complete their education.

Such a support must have acted as a catalyst to students in the past and I am sure it will act as a great motivation to others to pursue higher studies of their choice.

Such instruments of financial support go a long way in building futures, shaping careers and even lead to social acceleration.

Tamil poet, Bharathiyaar, wrote that “it is more virtuous to educate a child than to build a thousand temples or set up thousands of feeding centres”.

Education is the most critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to harnessing socio-economic progress. No nation can claim demonstrable development if education access is not universal .

It is also my firm belief that traditional education must be supported withnurturing of values such as kindness,empathy, self belief and above allrespect. It is by ensuring such value inculcation, thatwe can bring true, transformative change and ensure maximum effectiveness of our education.

Ethics and human & Constitutional values like empathy, respect for others, cleanliness, courtesy, democratic spirit, spirit of service, respect for public property, scientific temper, liberty, responsibility, pluralism, equality, and justice ought to be a part & parcel of our life.

Significant and focussed efforts by our leaders such as President, Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and now Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on education with values is inspiring our youth today, leading to a transformative change in our society.

Hard work and holistic education prepares us for life – not just in addressing challenge, but also teaches us to face roadblocks with calmness and confidence.

To you children, I want to say, make sure you never lose your learning spirit. You are our future, so remember that learning does not end when school or college does. The curiosity instilled in you at this age is the key to what will make all of you active participants in contributing to your society and your nation.

It is my fervent appeal to all the schools & colleges across the State to foster the spirit of curiosity, innovation and excellence in students .

Friends,

In the technology-driven fast changing world, challenges and opportunities abound. In this context, the best skill that educational institutions can impart a student today is that of adaptability. Students must be trained to think quickly, be agile and innovate using cutting-edge technologies to solve 21st century problems.

We have to also do away with the artificial segregation between curricular and extracurricular activities and encourage multi-disciplinarity in education. It is pertinent to mention the New Education Policy here, which has been introduced to make education relevant for the rapidly changing world. In a sense, the National Education Policy has freed education from a strict regimentation into arts/sciences/commerce etc. It allows students to be more flexible, adaptable and interdisciplinary in nature.

Friends,

Education is synonymous with life itself. There is need for constant adaptation and re-inventing to be relevant to the modern times. There is need for constant efforts to upgrade our education system and teaching methodology.

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore used to say that “when I teach anything, I do it with love”. Therefore the secret of the teacher’s profession, the secret of their success, or the respect they earn in life is their approach to teaching through love.

I believe that the role of the teacher is like the proverbial “ladder” – it is used by everyone to climb up in life – but the ladder stays in its place . Or as Nikos Kazant-Zakis, the Greek writer and philosopher, had said and I quote: “True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own” (unquote).

Teachers should strive to gain more and more knowledge and distribute to their pupils. Both Teachers and Students must continually update their knowledge. Please enhance your knowledge and help in Nation-Building.

You may take forward the message from programs such as this, where significance is placed on those who submit themselves selflessly to giving back to society and where means of upliftment are devised to ensure that nobody is left behind. These are essential blocks in the perennial nation building process. Make such experiences a part of your life and your own personal philosophy.

A country only moves forward when its citizens children, educators, innovators and corporate citizens like you – all act as equal stakeholders. To this end, hard work and dedication are indispensable.

I congratulate the Sat Paul Mittal National Award Winners who are committed to rendering outstanding service to humanity. The platinum category award recipient today is Dr. Radhike Khanna and the HelpAge India organisation; while the gold category award is being given to Shri Jadav Payeng and the Sasakawa India foundation. The work of these individuals and institutions is a testament to how honest, diligent and concerted efforts creates waves of positive change.

I conclude with a message to you all that whatever you do, make sure your efforts are earnest. Success and failure are tides of time that meet everyone – so do not let them get to you .

Stay happy, inspired and always keep learning .

Thank you,

Jai Hind.