President Ramnath Kovind said that education is not only the source to acquire knowledge and job but it should make the student self-reliant and enterprising. He said that the university is a source for social and economic empowerment. Hence education should be inclusive, easy and quality-based. Kovind was addressing the 27th convocation ceremony of Harisingh Gour Central University at Sagar on Saturday.
The President said that today there is need for an education system that builds character and instills life values. He said that the Centre and the state governments are working well together for the expansion of education. Youth should become educated through the modern education system not to search for jobs but provide jobs.
Mentioning the archaeological heritage, culture, art, world famous heritage and lakha Banjara and Jhalkari Bai, he said that this region has had a glorious past. The contribution of Sagar University in society building and Dr. Harisingh Gour’s commitment towards education is exemplary. Gour has presented a remarkable example of making use of personal property in public welfare. This University is a source of social and economic empowerment. He hoped that the University continues to develop as per Gour’s dreams.
Kovind expressed joy over the establishment of entrepreneurship cell to guide youths and the setting up of Ambedkar Peeth for research on social vision in University. He said that Ambedkar strongly advocated for the upliftment and education of the weaker sections. He considered that education of weaker sections was mandatory.
Kovind said that he saw the increasing importance of girls in education and other areas as a great social transformation. He lauded the steps taken by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for expansion of education in Madhya Pradesh.
Mentioning the works of Governor Anandiben Patel, the President said that she has encouraged girls to move forward. He congratulated students for their achievements. The President congratulated University Professor Sanjay K Jain for receiving the special award for research on treatment of cancer of the intestines.
Governor Patel said that students must not consider education as a medium to acquire a job. They should acquire education to become strong and glorious and utilize their acquired knowledge in good work and become a participant in the progress of the society.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that to acquire knowledge is the basic right of children. For this we have made solid schemes so that no child remains deprived of education due to lack of funds. He said that the government will bear the expenses of entire education of students who obtain 70 per cent marks in 12th Board in the state. Along with this the government will also bear the expenses of education of children of unorganized labourers from Class I to PhD.
Chouhan said that the President of India is visiting Sagar for the first time after 67 years. He said that this is a moment of immense joy for all of us. We should take our traditions forward in the same way.
As many as 356 students were conferred titles at the convocation ceremony. The toppers of the university were awarded gold medals. Ten of the 11 gold medal winners were girls.