President Ram Nath Kovind said that Indian scientists, doctors and teachers had continuously influenced the world with their intellect and dedication.
“They have instilled in all of us confidence that our students are capable of carrying forward our ancient tradition of knowledge, he said.
President Kovind inaugurated the Mahayogi Gorakhnath Vishwavidyalaya in Gorakhpur on Saturday in the presence of Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Speaking on the occasion, President Kovind said that India had a glorious history in higher education. From the world's first university at Takshshila to the universities of Nalanda, Udantapuri, Vikramshila and Vallabhi, the tradition had faded for some time but, now it had regained its past glory, he added.
He expressed confidence that the Mahayogi Gorakhnath University would prepare such knowledgeable students who would contribute in building a self-reliant, strong and healthy India. The President noted that this university would conduct employment generating courses keeping in view the need of the hour in addition to courses in yoga, Ayurveda, medical education, higher education and technical education etc. “While this university would encourage high-level research, it would also run vocational education and skill development courses for students,” he added.
President Kovind said that the National Education Policy-2020 envisaged that education should build character. He said education should develop ethics, rationality, compassion and sensitivity in students as well as make them capable for employment.
He said one of the objectives of the National Education Policy was to improve the curriculum and pedagogy of Indian institutions and also to create awareness among the students about their fundamental duties and constitutional values as well as their roles and responsibilities as citizens in the changing world.
The President noted that Maharana Pratap Education Council, established in 1932 with the goal of social uplift through the spread of education, was running about 50 educational institutions in northern India, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh. He expressed happiness that in these institutions emphasis was being laid on the overall development of personality of the students apart from providing modern education.
The President said that the Gorakshpeeth had been playing a major role in the socio-religious awakening of India for centuries. He said during India's freedom movement, this Peeth had played an important role in political awakening and even at present, Shri Gorakshpeeth remained the centre of public awareness, public service, education and medical service.