Indians should be proud of their culture and traditions, the basis of which is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a concept of whole world being one family, said Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu while addressing the convocation ceremony of Swami Ram Himalayan University (SRHU) at Dehradun on Tuesday.
Emphasising on respecting one's mother tongue as it helps one to express better than in other languages, he said that primary education should be given to children in their mother tongue.
Congratulating those who received degrees and medals for their academic achievements, Naidu said that there is no alternative to hard work and discipline.
He said that the aim of education should not be just to find employment but it should enlighten our minds and make us aware of our culture and values. Naidu said that for building a new India, skill India, Beti bachao-Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Digital India and other such missions has been started by the Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the mantra of 'Reform, Perform and Transform'.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor of Uttarakhand Krishan Kant Paul said that universities must become centres of knowledge creation in today's era of knowledge. Exhorting the youth to become aware, skilled and progressive while being creative and confident, he said younger generation must contribute in nation building. He praised the management of SRHU for adopting more than 1200 villages. The Governor said that State has a great tradition of Yoga and Ayurveda and this tradition has to be conserved and used to contribute towards alternative medicine. He reminded that Swami Rama linked our ancient wisdom to modern technique.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that Swami Rama was born in a small village and on the basis of his talent and ability he had set up such a great institution which was serving the State. He called upon young doctors to adopt a human approach to their profession and show warmth and concern towards patients. He said that campaign of total literacy is important and educated people should contribute towards achieving this. He said with the concept of each one teach one, this goal can be achieved. The CM appreciated that the university had made a beginning in having Indian attire for the convocation ceremony.
He added that along with good education, one should have positive thoughts, creativity and confidence.
Higher Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that the State has taken many measures to improve the quality of higher education and soon an umbrella Act would be made for all the 31 State universities. Vice Chancellor SRHU Vijay Dhasmana threw light on the courses and activities of the university. Degrees were conferred on about 400 students on the occasion.