Emphasising the role of agrarian economy in strengthening the country’s economy and also in its progress, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has called for more focus on further development of agriculture and villages.
Speaking at the second convocation of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (KSRDPRU) in Gadag on Wednesday, the Governor said that the panchayat raj system is the most ancient system of governance and there is a need for further strengthening and improvising it.
Referring to climate change and global warming, he said that these are signs of impending danger. “As there is a possibility of scarcity of water in the coming years, there is a dire need for effective measures for water conservation and also economical use of water,” he said.
Mr. Gehlot said that the Prime Minister is leading the country in becoming self-reliant and it is the responsibility of all to join hands with the Prime Minister in achieving this. The role of youth in upholding Constitutional values and building a greater and stronger country is crucial and they should understand this and discharge their Constitutional duties first. Only concerted and collective efforts will make the country a world leader, he said.
Lauding the role being played by KSRDPRU in bringing about a change in the quality of rural life, he said that the university is trying to facilitate comprehensive rural development through sustainable development model.
The Governor told the students that completion of their graduation meant the start of new pursuits in life and they should make their education a base to make further achievements in life.
Convocation address
Delivering the convocation address, Chairman of the Sixth State Finance Commissioner of Kerala S.M. Vijayanand elaborated Mahatma Gandhi’s vision on rural development and panchayat raj system.
Elaborating on Gandhi’s model of rural development and panchayat raj, social justice, inclusiveness, communal harmony and gender equality, he spoke on Gandhi’s concepts of self-help, cooperation, shramadan, community service, self- reliance and self-restraint.
Mr. Vijayanand advised students to come out with new ideas keeping in mind Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj. “Remember the face of a poor and weak person you have seen and contemplate on whether your ideas will help him in anyway. Think whether your idea will benefit him and change his fate. In other words, think whether the idea will bring about a change in the lives of people starving and those having spiritual hunger and then implement your ideas,” he said.
Welcoming dignitaries, Vice-Chancellor of KSRDPRU Vishnukant Chatapally urged the fresh graduates to strive towards making use of knowledge they have gained in the university for the betterment of the State and the nation.
Registrar Basavaraj Lakkannavar, Finance Officer Prashanth J.C. and members of the university’s Academic Council and others were present.
Prior to the convocation, the Governor visited the Sabarmati Ashram recreated on the university campus.
Honorary doctorates
During the convocation, the Governor honoured S.S. Menakshisundaram and Seetavva Dundappa Jodatti with honorary doctoral degrees.
He also awarded post-graduate degrees to 10 students, graduate degrees to 139 students and gold medals to 10 students. Second and third ranks were awarded to 10 students each.
