President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday exhorted the graduating students to prepare themselves to face the challenges of life, and develop their latent talents to work for the development of the society and nation with assiduity, sincerity and honesty.
Addressing the 66th convocation of MS University in Vadodara, he said the credit for Vadodara being described as the cultural capital goes to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad, ably carried forward by Rajmata Shubhangini Devi, following the university’s motto of Satyam Shivam Sundaram in letter and spirit. It was due to their visionary leadership that illustrious sons of India like Aurobindo Ghosh and Babasaheb Ambedkar were associated with the university, no wonder if some of the Sayajirao’s ideas reflected in the Constitution of India.
He said the convocation being held on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, with direct relation with the Goddess of Education, Ma Saraswati, lent special significance to the event. Kovind said that students from different parts of India and abroad come to study at the MS University. He hailed the university’s glorious past in both arts and science subjects. He was particularly pleased to see girls comprising a large chunk of the medalist and said that girls are like mirror of the nation’s development. In all, 11,000 students of 14 faculties were awarded degrees, including 267 gold medals to 159 toppers.
The President, who was on a two-day visit to Gujarat, was visibly impressed by the infrastructure development and modern facilities in the State. He complimented the Gujarat Government, from the Chief Minister to entire team. He invited all visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Governor O.P. Kohli hailed the MS University’s unique proposition of combining file arts and performing arts with latest advancements in science and technology. He exhorted students to imbibe the work cultures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in realizing his dream of ‘Make in India’ and former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of Developed India.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani recalled that Maharaja Sayaji Gaekwad had great contribution in eradicating untouchability and ensuring social equanimity, who had helped great personalities like Babasaheb Ambvedkar and Shyamji Krishna Verma. He had also extended financial assistance in India’s freedom struggle from India House in London, braving the threats from British rule.