Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who is known for his oratory skills, was in his elements while interacting with student of IIPE (Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy) here on Thursday, and floored them with his witty responses.
Talking about his college days in Andhra University and how he fought the student elections, he said, “In those days selection was through an intellectual process. The student leaders were judged and selected by their oratory skills and intellect. We had to address the students and indulge in debate. And we were given two chances to address each classroom and hostels and we loved going to the women’s hostel.”
Sending the gathering into peals of laughter with his women’s hostel comment, he said, “It was here that I picked up my oratory skills and the campus was responsible for my intellectual development.”
Giving a real life anecdote, he said, ‘Once a farmer visited a reputed college where his son was studying and saw the students in a dharna outside the gate. Surprised he asked the leader why they were striking and the leader said the issues will be decided in the student general body meeting in the evening.”
Having dished out the anecdote, he said, “We should have clarity in what we are doing and why we are doing and not join a bandwagon.”
Rural development
Referring to a question on rural development from a student, he said, “The key in rural development is connectivity. If there is connectivity then all facilities such as health, education and others will reach villagers. The other important elements are electricity and MSP for their crop.”
To another question on employment and higher education, he said, “Self employment is the best thing. This how one can give back something to society and research is the best area of higher education and this is where the country was lacking.”
