Convocation in Tirunelveli
Tamil Nadu Governor and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Chancellor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Monday said the discipline and cultural values shown by students in the State should spread across India. He was speaking after awarding degrees at the university’s 33rd convocation in Tirunelveli.
Apology over arrangements
Arlekar noted that the Higher Education Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary were not present at the event, and said they would have been happy to see the students’ joy and satisfaction. He also apologised to graduating and doctoral students, expressing regret that all of them could not be seated inside the hall and that some had to stand outside.
Praise for students’ conduct
Saying students should never be ignored, the Governor described them as not only the nation’s future but also its present. He pointed to the patience and orderliness displayed at the convocation, contrasting it with recent scenes involving youth at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, and credited families, schools and the university for instilling good values.
‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Tamil Nadu’
Referring to the Prime Minister’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal for 2047, Arlekar urged young people to think now about their contribution to the country’s progress. He said the path to a developed India runs through a developed Tamil Nadu, and asked students to look beyond government schemes and consider how their knowledge and skills can serve society.
Plans to return
Arlekar said he had told the Vice-Chancellor that he wanted to spend an entire day with students, adding that speaking from the stage alone did not satisfy him. He said he would return to interact with students directly.
