STUDENTS have an important role to play in the progress of a country said President Droupadi Murmu and called upon them to take the society forward besides fulfilling their own dreams, aspirations. “Write the chapter of success, face difficulties bravely and make the country shine all over the world,” she said at the 10th convocation of Gondwana University on Wednesday morning. The President also laid the foundation stone of the University’s new complex at Adpalli village virtually. Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Hansraj Ahir, Chairman of Backward Classes Commission, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Maharashtra Minister of Forests, Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Dr Vijaykumar Gawit, Minister for Tribal Development, and Dr Prashant Bokare, Vice- Chancellor of Gondwana University, were present on the occasion. Total six students were conferred medals at the programme at the hands of the President. They included Lokesh Halami, Amit Gohne, Arpita Thombre, Sadaf Ansari, Santosh Shinde and Sarika Manthanwar. Murmu further said, “Education is important for progress of the society and it is a good thing that tribal youths are being provided higher education in a backward place like Gadchiroli.” The President called upon students to conduct research on climate change and environmental degradation. “Tribals have a special relation with Nature.

 

They know the art of living. We should make efforts for their all-round progress and the Gondwana University and its students can help in this,” the President asserted. “If collective efforts are made, Gadchiroli will not remain backward. It will come at par with other developed districts,” she hoped and encouraged people and the Government to work shoulder to shoulder for development. Murmu extended best wishes to the medal- winning students. She also appreciated the initiative of Gondwana University to provide skill- based training and education and expressed satisfaction over the good number of girls winning medals. The University is being strengthened with knowledge, science and moral values and the students here will certainly contribute in the development of the country, she hoped. Governor Bais said that the international identity of Gadchiroli should be that of a centre for tribal culture. He suggested to start courses based on eco -tourism, bamboo technology and other forest produces that can create employment for local youth. Tribals have protected the forests and they should get share in profit from the forest as well, he stressed. Nitin Gadkari hailed the day for the reason that the President of India had visited one of the most backward and aspirational districts in the country.

 

He asked the Gondwana University to provide need-based and social research opportunities to the students. “The University is an ocean of knowledge and Gadchiroli district will become a growth engine with higher education and will help in making India self-sufficient,” he said. Fadnavis said that the district was blessed with forest, land, water and rich minerals. “Gondwana University will create skilled human resource that will get employment through industries being run here,” he hoped. A medical college has been sanctioned for the district and soon an airport will also be started, he declared. Vice Chancellor Dr Prashant Bokare delivered an introductory speech.

 

He informed the dignitaries about the projects run by the University and that a new campus is proposed to be developed in 170 acre area with all facilities. Also present on the occasion were Ashok Nete, MP, Dr Deorao Holi, MLA Krishna Gajbhe, MLA, Dr Ramdas Ambatkar, MLC, Sudhakar Adbale, MLC, Shobhatai Fadnavis, former minister, Sanjay Meena, District Collector, Kumar Ashirwad, CEO of Zilla Parishad, Dr Vijay Ainchwar, Dr Namdeo Kalyankar, former VC, Dr Kirtivardhan Dixit, former VC, Dr Shriram Kawle, Pro-VC, Gaurishankar Parashar, former Pro-VC, Puran Meshram, former Registrar of RTMNU, Dr A Chandramouli, Dean of Humanities, Dr Anil Chitade, Dean of Science and Technology, and others. At the outset, the President and other guests were taken to the venue in a ceremonial procession led by Registrar Dr Anil Hirekhan. Strict security arrangement was maintained in the premises in view of the programme. Dr Narendra Arekar and Dr Shilpa Athawale conducted the programme that was attended by large number of students, teachers, parents, senate members, university staff and prominent citizens.