LUCKNOW: President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said that Yogi Adityanath government's efforts to strengthen the education sector in the state are ‘exemplary’. Speaking at the ninth convocation ceremony of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, the President said: “During my visit to the state, I got an opportunity to know more on the initiatives taken to implement the new education policy. The dedicated and intensive efforts taken by the government for the betterment of the education system in the state is commendable.”
As education is the most effective means to establish social justice and for personal growth of an individual, it is important to strengthen this sector for any place to progress, he stated. “The efforts of the UP government to enhance the standard of education in the state are ‘exemplary’. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the governor, the CM as well as his team,” Kovind said.
The President, who arrived on Thursday on a four-day visit, also praised the UP government for 'working with a development-oriented approach for welfare of people and bringing in the rule of law in the state'.
Taking pride in laying the foundation stone of a girl’s hostel named after social-reformer Savitribai Phule, who is regarded as the country's first female teacher, the President said, “Nearly 175 years ago, the revolutionary steps Savitribai took to improve women’s rights are bearing fruits. The performance of daughters in the Tokyo Olympics has instilled a sense of pride in the entire country. They proved that if given an opportunity, they will leave behind boys.”
Kovind further stated, “Our daughters are excelling in every field. The fact that the number of daughters is more than the sons among the promising medal winners in the convocation shows that the state is moving towards growth and development. With the success of daughters, I can now see Babasaheb’s dream of providing equal opportunities to all coming true,” Kovind said.
Urging the graduating students to draw inspiration from social reformer Babasaheb Ambedkar, Kovind said only a great personality like him could stand tall facing oppositions for his initiatives for women in all sectors. “We can’t even imagine how societal concerns were in those times when thinking of women rights and other issues he raised was no less than a crime. Only through his concerted approach, he changed the nation’s fate,” Kovind said.
Exhorting students to lead from the front when India celebrates its 100 years of Independence in 2047, the President said, “Youth play a vital role in nation building and can take the nation to great heights. I wish to see India a developed country, free from all biases in 2047.”
Earlier, the President appreciated the various steps taken by BBAU to highlight social concerns and provide access to the disadvantaged. “By awarding medals to meritorious students from marginalised sections is applaudable,” said Kovind.
'Become a job giver': The President also called upon the students to turn entrepreneurs and become job creators rather than job-seekers. Stating figures, he said India today has 100 unicorns which are startups valued over $1 billion each, and that the estimated market capitalization of these unicorns cross the 19 lakh crore-mark. India today is among the top three countries in start-ups, most of which are established by the youth.
