Jaunpur, 27 July (HS): At the 30th convocation of

Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Governor and

Chancellor Anandiben Patel urged students to pledge to nation-building, stating

that a degree is not merely a means to employment, but an opportunity to

fulfill social responsibility. She urged young people to stay away from drugs

and engage in innovation, research, and social concerns. She also openly

expressed displeasure over the need for improvements to the university's

hostels, mess facilities, and other facilities.

The Governor was welcomed at the ceremony by Minister of

State for Higher Education Rajni Tiwari, Additional Director General of the NCC

Major Gaurav Gautam, Vice Chancellor Prof. Vandana Singh, and university

officials. On this occasion, gold medals were awarded to 83 meritorious

students and PhD degrees were awarded to 339 researchers.

In her address, the Governor stated that the true purpose of

education is to bring the benefits of knowledge to the last person in society. She

noted that today, girls are excelling in the fields of education, science, medicine,

administration, judiciary, and research, becoming a strong foundation for a

developed India. She urged students to embrace environmental protection,

cleanliness, women's empowerment, and social responsibility as part of their

lives.

The Governor warned young people about the ill effects of

drug addiction, saying that addiction is detrimental to both society and

family. She emphasized that only healthy, disciplined, and sensitive youth can

achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047. Citing her own family as an

example, she said that for the past four decades, tea has not been made in her

home and guests are welcomed with lemonade.

Referring to the university's arrangements, the Governor

expressed concern over the quality of mess food, cleanliness, lighting, washing

machines, and other basic amenities in the hostels. She directed the Vice

Chancellor to regularly monitor the quality of food and ensure safe and

nutritious food is provided to students. She also expressed dissatisfaction

with the lack of a program organized at the university to commemorate Kargil

Vijay Diwas.

The Governor praised the DigiLocker system, saying it has

effectively curbed errors and corruption in degrees and mark sheets. She

explained that while serving as Education Minister in Gujarat, she launched a

massive campaign against fake degrees and had thousands of fake certificates

revoked.

Minister of State for Higher Education, Rajni Tiwari, stated

that values are as important as education. Praising the achievements of the

gold medalists, especially daughters, she stated that the role of youth and

women will be paramount in building a developed India. Meanwhile, Major Gaurav

Gautam urged students to contribute to nation-building through discipline,

honesty, a healthy lifestyle, and the positive use of technology.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi