Harness energy of youth for social transformation: Satyarthi

He calls for globalisation of compassion; emphasises need for trust and tolerance

A milestone: Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, Vice-Chancellor Father Thomas C. Mathew, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru, and other dignitaries at a function to commemorate the golden jubilee of Christ (Deemed to be University) in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi has spoken of the role of the youth in reforming society and making the world a better place to live in.

“Social transformation does not happen only with policies. We need to build a youth movement. While many children are victims, there are many other children who are ready to challenge the system and ask questions,” he said at a function to commemorate the golden jubilee of Christ (Deemed to be University) here on Saturday.

He said there was a need to harness the concern of children for other children, and for recognising their energy and creative potential.

Lamenting that disparity in society was growing, he said, “We have been able to reach Mars but unable to reach out to our children. What kind of world have we created, I am ashamed.”

Three major deficits

He said there were three major deficits in our society. Truth deficit, trust deficit, and tolerance deficit. “While technology is advancing, we are becoming more and more artificial in our behaviour. Truth is getting lost. People are losing trust in the system. While the Berlin wall has been broken, we are creating many other walls,” he said.

Calling for a “globalisation of compassion”, he said society cannot be governed by fear. It has to be governed by freedom. “Globalisation should not be just of information and production, but of compassion as well.”

Vice-Chancellor Father Thomas C. Mathew spoke about the phenomenal growth of the institution. “It was established on July 15, 1969, with 350 students and 18 teachers, but today it has over 21,000 students, and a staff strength of over 950. Christ is one of the largest institutions in the country, especially in the liberal arts department.”

Chancellor Father George Edayadiyil paid rich tribute to the missionary founders of Christ, Bishop Jones and Father Augustine Joseph.

The speech was followed by the release of the souvenir by Trishikha Devi Wadiyar, wife of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, scion of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru. The institution also felicitated Mr. Yaduveer and Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy.

On what makes Christ special, Abhay Sharma, a student, said the best thing about the institution was its placement facilities and research unit. Also, it is very student-friendly, he said.

The celebrations concluded with a cultural programme by the students.