The Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, has urged students to work towards upholding the secular values of the country at all times.
Delivering his address at the 24th Graduation Day of M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women in the city on Saturday, he said education was a key tool in developing a community.
“It reminds us that an educationally backward community can never progress,” he said, calling upon the majority community to take keen interest in the progress of the minorities.
“If the minorities do not advance, it will block the advancement of the majority community itself,” he said.
The Prince of Arcot regretted that the concept of education was restricted to just acquiring degrees and certificates and no attempt was being made to ensure decency and dignity in public and private life.
‘Promote harmony’
He called upon students to promote communal harmony and national unity and exhorted them to use their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society.
He presented degree certificates to students of the college and honoured the rank holders.
Manoj Kumar Sonthalia, honorary secretary of the college, welcomed the gathering.
Lalitha Balakrishnan, principal, administered the pledge to the students. D. Radha, controller of examination, proposed a vote of thanks.