Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday called upon students to take inspiration from India’s glorious past and imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Addressing at the 50th Convocation of Utkal University here, he reminded the students and faculty members of India’s glorious tradition of international education.
Citing the examples of ancient Indian institutions such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vallabhi and Vikramashila, he emphasised the need to bring back this great Indian tradition to create well-rounded and innovative individuals who can transform the country, both socially and economically.
Naidu asked the universities and educational institutions to equip the students with 21st century skills so that they can emerge as job creators without seeking jobs themselves.
Mentioning that Odisha is home to 62 different tribal communities who constitute 23% of the State’s total population, he called for according priority to their development and welfare.
“We have a lot to learn from the tribal communities who live a simple life in harmony with nature”, he said and cited a study by the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) that the tribal population in Odisha was largely untouched by the Covid-19 pandemic mainly because of the unique customary practices and traditions of tribes such as walking in rows (instead of groups) and eating (immunity boosting) natural food.
He suggested that such positive aspects of tribal communities should be highlighted and included in the school curriculum. He also wanted the institutions like Utkal University to take up research on issues faced by tribals and actively contribute to policy formation for their development and wellbeing.
Naidu called for making disaster management an integral part of the education from early days. He also mentioned about Odisha’s Bhaumakara dynasty that had a long succession of women rulers in 9th-0th century. Calling it a shining example of women empowerment, he urged the younger generation to read about such stories and pledge to fight against gender discrimination.
Describing the Utkal University as the educational lodestone of Odisha, Naidu appreciated it for maintaining high educational standards.
Governor and Chancellor of the university Prof Ganeshi Lal, Higher Education Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo and university Vice-Chancellor Prof Sabita Acharya were present.