Exhorting young Indians to defeat nefarious designs set by forces inimical to India’s growth and civilisation, Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Friday, urged stakeholders to strengthen institutions and give a befitting response to those trying to weaken democratic polity. Vice-President was speaking during the inauguration of centenary celebrations of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Sabhagruh, Reshimbag. Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais presided over the function. V-P Dhankhar’s wife Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, Union Minister of Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, RTMNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhari, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Sanjay Dudhe shared the dais. “The Constituent Assembly faced incredibly difficult, divisive, and contentious issues. But they were sorted out with a spirit of co-ordination, collaboration, and co-operation. Now that is missing. Temples of democracy have virtually been ravaged. I see a greater danger if temples of democracy -- Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and State Legislatures -- do not become the platforms of discussions, debates, and dialogues, because the space will then be occupied by others. It won’t remain vacant. And, those forces will neither be representative nor accountable. These forces have not taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. I, therefore, urge each one of you to activate yourself individually,” stated the Vice President. “Transformational change is brought about only by education. Education can make a difference.

 

Universities are living entities of sublime ideas and ideals. They remain alive eternally in our progress and achievements. We have had universities like Takshashila and Nalanda, which have made India a Vishwa Guru. These institutions are eternal in our collective national memories,” pointed out Dhankhar. He said the government of the day was taking many initiatives and had put in place several policies that allowed full unleashing of talent, potential, and energy of youths to empower them to achieve their aspirations. “It is time for our industries in particular to nurture our institutions. When leaders of the industry give astronomical sums of money to outside universities, it concerns me. We must believe in ourselves and ensure that our nation, nationalism, institutions form our first priority,” he stressed. After more than three decades, the country came to have a new National Education Policy. It is a game-changer. It has taken note of our civilizational ethos. It has reduced that part of education which was dragging students. It is skill and aptitude oriented and allows flexibility. He said, “I am personally aware that in the evolution of the policy, inputs were secured from all stakeholders. This policy is already showing results.” Dhankhar, in his speech, made a special mention of Ramesh Bais, Nitin Gadkari, Devendra Fadnavis, Justice V S Sirpurkar, Dr Vikas Mahatme by pointing out their specialities. Earlier, Dr Subhash Chaudhari made the introductory remarks.

 

The dignitaries released university’s souvenir Shatdeep Parva on this occasion. Dr Varsha Deshpande, Dr Amruta Indurkar compered the programme. Some of the former Vice-Chancellors of RTMNU namely Dr S N Pathan, Dr S P Kane, Dr Vilas Sapkal, former Vice-Chancellors of Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University Dr Kamal Singh, Dr Murlidhar Chandekar, former Vice-Chancellor of PDKV Dr Sharad Nimbalkar, ex-Rajya Sabha Member ‘Padma Shri’ Dr Vikas Mahatme, ex-MLC Prakash Gajbhiye, former judge of Supreme Court JusticeVikas Sirpurkar and others were present prominently on the occasion. The recipients of students’ awards included Best Student section -- Vishal Rajkumar Kharchwal of Shivaji Science and Anushka Nag of Hislop College, Nagpur; Cultural Activity -- Ashutosh AjayTiwari of R S Mundle Dharampeth Arts and Commerce College and Ashlesha Rajesh Khante of Nabira College, Katol. Two students of G S Commerce College, Wardha-- Sahil Bhimrao Khelkar and Aarzu Samir Khan Pathan have been chosen for the Best NCC Cadet award.