Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that students should not lose focus and get drawn into controversies even as he opined that dissent should come at the cost of 'disintegration'.
He was speaking at the 8th convocation of GITAM University, Hyderabad Campus where two doctorates and 1,060 graduate and post-graduate degrees were awarded.
Expressing his unhappiness at incidents in small varsities, he said, “You cannot compromise on the country's integrity. In a democracy, everybody must have freedom. There is no doubt about it. Freedom of expression has to be there. There should be some regulations. But this should not be strangulation.” He welcomed dissent but pointed out that it should not lead to disintegration. No country, he said, can compromise on its unity and integrity.
“The focus should be on academic excellence and practical knowledge. Also, try to become ideal citizens of this country,” he said adding that there should be harmonious co-existence.
The Vice President said that the country provides ample opportunities. Though he did not discourage youth from seeking jobs abroad, he said, “Opportunities are available in India. Still you want to go. But learn, earn and return,” he said.
He encouraged students to be conversant in their respective mother tongue as it enables people to express their views better. He said there is a need for reform and advised students to return’ to their ‘roots’.
Speaking at the convocation, irrigation minister T. Harish Rao said students should be encouraged to serve the country by joining the civil services. “Join the All India Services and serve the motherland. It is a great opportunity,” he said even as he highlighted the Telangana government's flagship schemes.