In a significant address at Davangere University, Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot redefined the essence of education, moving beyond conventional views of degrees and employment. Speaking at the 13th annual convocation held on the university campus in Davanagere, Governor Gehlot articulated that education serves as a profound form of 'sanskar'—a transformative process that cultivates morality, empathy, and social responsibility among individuals.
Youth Power: The Backbone of National Development
Governor Gehlot highlighted India's unique demographic advantage, noting that the country boasts the highest youth population globally. He described this "youth power" as the fundamental backbone of the nation, essential for driving progress and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, he urged the youth to commit wholeheartedly to India's development, emphasizing that their efforts today will shape the nation's future as it approaches the centenary of Independence.
Embracing Innovation in the AI Era
In the context of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and data sciences, Governor Gehlot advised students not to confine their aspirations to campus placements alone. Instead, he encouraged them to harness their creativity and come up with innovative ideas to establish startups. He reassured them that failure should not be feared, as in the world of entrepreneurship, setbacks serve as valuable lessons that foster growth and resilience.
Governor Gehlot also reminded students to always remain grateful to their parents and teachers, whose guidance and support form the foundation of their educational journey. This message underscored the importance of gratitude and respect in personal and professional development.
Honoring Achievements and Contributions
The convocation ceremony was marked by the conferral of honorary doctoral degrees on three distinguished individuals: Prof CH Murigendrappa, M Ramappa, and L Revanasiddaiah, recognizing their significant contributions to society and academia. Additionally, 87 gold medals were awarded to outstanding students, and 70 individuals received doctoral degrees, celebrating their academic excellence and dedication.
Notable Absence and Academic Presence
Due to unavoidable circumstances, former director general of DRDO and scientific advisor to the defence minister, Vasudev K Aatre, could not attend the event to deliver the convocation address. In his absence, the address was read out by Prof Lokesh, the dean of sociology, ensuring that his insights reached the audience. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof BD Kumbar, registrar SB Ganti, registrar (evaluation) Prof CK Ramesh, and deans from various academic streams, highlighting the collective commitment to educational excellence at Davangere University.
