Education should make life meaningful, youth must contribute to nation’s development: Governor

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Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot presenting a degree certificate to a student during the first convocation of Bidar University in Bidar on Saturday (September 12). | Photo Credit: T. GOPICHAND

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday (September 12) called upon students to use the education they receive not only to build successful careers but contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

Addressing students who received degrees and medals at the first convocation of Bidar University, held at Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar, Mr. Gehlot, who is also the Chancellor of the University, said education should help students lead successful and purposeful lives. He advised them to remain humble in success, patient in difficult times and determined to move forward without being discouraged by failures.

Referring to the rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, Mr. Gehlot said there were immense opportunities for innovation and start-ups in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, digital services, environment and rural development.

“Local problems should be converted into opportunities,” he said, urging the younger generation to undertake new initiatives with knowledge, determination and an innovative outlook.

Highlighting India’s thousands of years of knowledge tradition, Mr. Gehlot said the country had made significant contributions to mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, languages, literature, agriculture and environmental knowledge. “This heritage should be studied scientifically and further research should be undertaken by integrating traditional Indian knowledge with modern science,” he said, calling for building an India that has “the roots of Indian knowledge tradition and the wings of modern science”.

Describing Bidar as a district rich in historical, cultural and architectural heritage, the Governor said there was no dearth of talent in Kalyana Karnataka and stressed the need to nurture young talent by providing quality education, skills, opportunities for research and access to modern avenues.

Mr. Gehlot congratulated the degree and medal recipients, their parents, teachers and the entire Bidar University fraternity. He wished the graduating students success and happiness and said their achievements should enhance the reputation of Bidar, Karnataka and India.

A total of 112 students were awarded degrees at the convocation. They included 10 undergraduate and 102 postgraduate students. Twenty meritorious students were presented with gold medals. Of these, 11 were university gold medals and nine were sponsored gold medals. Shivayya Swamy and S.M. Janawadkar were awarded doctoral degrees at the convocation.

Retired Justice Krishna Dixit was the chief guest. Bidar University Vice-Chancellor B.S. Biradar introduced the dignitaries and gave a brief overview of the university.