Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel said that the National Education Policy (NEP) presents a historic opportunity to integrate Indian culture, the country’s rich knowledge tradition and core life values into the mainstream of higher education.
He said that incorporating the spirit of Bharatiyata (Indianness) into higher education would lay a strong foundation for a Developed India. Preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage, traditions and ancient knowledge systems, he added, would help build a self-reliant, value-based and developed nation.
Governor Patel was addressing the Sixth Convocation Ceremony of Maharshi Panini Sanskrit Vedic University, held at Kalidas Sanskrit Academy, Ujjain on Tuesday. A total of 1,303 degrees, including 21 PhD degrees, were conferred during the ceremony. Students were also awarded 42 medals, comprising 16 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze. Governor Mangu Bhai Patel also released various books published by the university.
Governor said that India was once the global centre of learning, attracting students from across the world. Today, however, many Indian students pursue education abroad. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through the National Education Policy, has initiated a transformative effort to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by reviving India’s knowledge tradition. Governor Mangu Bhai Patel expressed confidence that in a developed India, students would no longer need to go abroad for quality education.
Governor Shri Patel called upon universities to take meaningful initiatives to establish Sanskrit’s identity on the global stage, stating that culture can be preserved only when rooted in strong values and character.
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Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar encouraged students to take Indian culture and civilisational values to the global stage.
Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj, Founder of the Maharshi Vedavyas Pratishthanam, Pune, was conferred the honorary degree of Mahamahopadhyaya (D.Litt.), while Prof. Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, was awarded the honorary degree of Vidyavachaspati (D.Litt.).
The convocation address was delivered by Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University. Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj also addressed the gathering. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shivshankar Mishra welcomed the guests and highlighted the university’s achievements. The programme was conducted by Dr. Upendra Bhargava, while Registrar Dr. Dileep Soni proposed the vote of thanks.
The ceremony began with an academic procession, followed by the National Anthem and the University Anthem. Governor Patel and other dignitaries inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp before the idol of Goddess Saraswati.
