Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Daggubati Purandeswari has appealed to the youth to strive to take the nation to the top in terms of development, literacy and standard of living. “India's confident march is watched by the entire world and the canalisation of its youth force is important [for] taking India to the top of the comity of nations.”
Ms. Purandeswari was taking part as the chief guest at the valedictory function of ‘Kala Kausthubham,' the Inter-University National Youth Festival, 2011, at Sri Venkateswara University's (SVU) Srinivasa auditorium here on Saturday, when she made a fervent appeal to the youth to realise that the glory of their motherland and its rich cultural heritage were worshipped the world over. With youth below 25 forming 40 per cent of the population, India would definitely have an edge over competing nations in its surge towards the status of global leader. “If the 21st century is the knowledge era, it should reflect in human capability,” she said, advising the young gathering to supplement the State's efforts by teaching the alphabet to the people around them, so as to take the literacy rate upward of the present 65 per cent.
“Education is not what we policy makers plan, it is not what the colleges teach and it is also certainly not what the parents perceive. The right education should give holistic growth and internal strength to the students to help them fight the evil”, she said, quoting Swami Vivekananda. While maintaining that the dichotomy of the opposites was difficult to bridge — referring to development and under-development coexisting in the country — she urged the youth to take on illiteracy, corruption and malnutrition. She presented the winners' trophy to the students of the University of Mumbai.
State Minister for Mines and Geology Galla Aruna Kumari wanted universities to impart education to benefit industry and the society at large, hinting at changing the curriculum suitably and periodically. The varsities should excel in the areas of teaching, research and extension.
Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Secretary-General Beena Shah expressed satisfaction at the conduct of the event and congratulated SVU Vice-Chancellor N. Prabhakara Rao, Rector K. Rathnaiah and Registrar J. Pratap Reddy for their support in making it a success. She said the AIU was keen on spreading the spirit of unity and camaraderie among students, besides unearthing latent talent. S.M. Kanth, AIU observer; SVU Director (Students' welfare) B.V. Muralidhar; and cultural coordinator K.M. Bhanu were among those present.
