President Calls Upon The Youth To Be The Harbingers Of Change In Society

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the tenth convocation of Tripura Central University at Suryamaninagar today (June 20, 2013).

Speaking on the occasion, the President asked students to always remember that the wonderful education they had received is a contribution of the state and the community. The land on which the university stands has been provided by community. Similarly, the buildings, the books that fill the library, etc. come from money that the state has invested in them. They, in turn, have an important responsibility to the country and its people. "Be the change you want to see in the world”, is wisdom that came from the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi. He called upon the youth to be harbingers of change in society and fulfill their commitment to the motherland.

The President said our youth must assimilate and make part of their daily life the nine essential civilizational values of love for motherland; performance of duty; compassion for all; tolerance for pluralism; respect for women; honesty in life; self-restraint in conduct, responsibility in action and discipline.

The President expressed sadness over the poor quality of our higher academic institutions and said it was unfortunate not a single Indian university is ranked within the top two hundred universities in the world. He pointed out that there was a time when we had world class universities like Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura and Odantapuri. These comprised an ancient university system that dominated the world for eighteen hundred years beginning Sixth Century BC. He called upon the Universities of India to work hard so that we can return to the days of old glory.

This release issued at 1815 hrs