Uttarakhand Governor Dr KK Paul advised the students not to lose their cultural moorings while competing with the world. He said Patanjali University can make immense contribution in this direction.
While addressing the Deeksha Aarambh ceremony at the Patanjali University at Haridwar on Thursday, Dr Paul said that the university had achieved a lot as far as promoting education in Yoga and Ayurveda was concerned. It had given a new identity to Indian culture in India as well as abroad through Yoga and Ayurveda, said the Governor.
The induction and orientation ceremony was one of the most important days in the life of a student. “It has a deep significance as it is associated with the resolve to begin the “sadhana” of studying and learning, the resolve to work according to the aspirations of your gurus, your family and the society.” The Indian civilisation, one of the oldest in the world, had survived as it was strong and deep-rooted many others had perished under the onslaught of time, he said.
The concepts of Vasudhaiv Kutumbkum and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina, the core of our culture, looked at the entire world as one family and wished for the happiness of all. India, a thousand years ago, was known as Vishwaguru with universities like Takshashila, Nalanda and Vikramshila attracting students from other parts of the world. Astronomy and mathematics were taught here in an advanced form, the Governor recounted.
“There is also need to rediscover our ancient knowledge and wisdom most of which is recorded in the Sanskrit language. A revival of Sanskrit as well as translation of the ancient texts in other languages is required on a large scale to reconnect with this knowledge. In this, institutions like this university can play an active role,” he said.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Governor mentioned that the aim of education should be to develop character, human values so that a person could stand on his own without any dependence.
He said that in the near future, India would have the largest population of young people in the world and if this youth power was utilised properly, it would help India lead the world. He called upon the students to maintain a balance between technology and remaining aware of their real surroundings. “Today, in this world of information technology and social networking, there is great need for maintaining a balance between the virtual and the real world,” said the Governor. He also emphasized the call given by the Prime Minister for skill development.
For the students acquiring knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda along with technological skills was a good combination as Yoga and Ayurveda had a scientific basis. He stressed upon the unique preventive quality of Yoga and Ayurveda. They prevented diseases besides curing them, he averred.
Earlier, the Governor inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Chancellor of University Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, VC Acharya Balkrishan and secretary to Governor AK Dhaundiyal were present on the occasion.