Panaji, October 02, 2018 …. The Governor Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha has exhorted the youths to work to imbibe the culture of cleanliness and good thoughts. The Governor said Cleanliness is a ritual and it has to be practiced by everyone on day to day basis. The Governor was speaking after inaugurating a special programe commemorating Swacch Bharat Mission themed “Ek Kadam Swachata Ki Aur” at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali today.

Present on the occasion were Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Dr. Pramod Sawant, Shri Dharmesh Saglani, Chairperson, Sankhali Municipal Council, Smt. R. Maneka, IAS, Director of Municipal Administration, Shri Sanjeet Rodrigues, Managing  Director, Goa Waste Management Corporation, Shri Pravinjay Pandit, Chief Officer, Sankhali Municipal Council and Shri Shripad Arlekar, Member Secretary, Ravindra Bhavan Sankhali.

Elaborating on good thoughts of the Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi, the Governor said, the youth must take inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and his principles and values. The Governor also read the ‘Swachh Bharat Oath’ to the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Dr. Pramod Sawant said that cleanliness is our fundamental duty and true service. We must strive to keep ourselves and the surroundings clean. We all must make it as our personal habit. He urged the support from the masses for this noble cause.

The function began with lighting the traditional lamp by the dignitaries. The Students of St. John High School sang two songs. Earlier  Shri Pravinjay Pandit welcomed the guests. Shri Anil Vernekar and Smt. Daya Tendulkar compered the function and Shri Shripad Arlekar proposed vote of thanks.

Various prizes were given to the winners at the hands of the Governor and other dignitaries. The program was attended by the Councillors, Sarpanchas, Panch members, teachers and students of various schools in the vicinity of Sankhali in large number.

Panaji, October 02, 2018 … Governor Dr.(Smt.) Mridula Sinha has extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

In her message the Governor has said, “Gandhi Jayanti is one of the most important national events of India celebrated every year on 21 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This year marks the commencement of 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji and hence huge enthusiasm and zeal is seen amongst the citizens of India to celebrate this joyous occasion. We celebrate this day with great pleasure every year to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation as well as to remember his values, principles and philosophy,” the Governor says.

The Governor adds “ 2^nd of October is also celebrated internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence because of being a preacher of non-violence throughout his life. We remember Gandhiji as Bapu, as he was lovingly called so because he was a symbol of peace, non violence and truth. These were deeply rooted in our culture. Gandhiji experimented them with modern needs of the nation and found them as proper tools. Gandhiji was the man of simple living and high thinking. He was the pioneer of truth and non-violence who started the Satyagraha movement for India’s freedom. He worked hard for achieving Swaraj, removing social evil, improving economic condition of farmers, empowering women rights and many more”.

“Mahatma Gandhiji played a memorable role in uplifting the oppressed. As a servant of mankind, he preached that all human beings are equal. Gandhiji worked not only for the political emancipation of the nation, but for liberation of all the suppressed and oppressed sections of society. One of the note worthy results of his life-work has been the awakening of women, which made them shed their deep-rooted sense of inferiority and rise to dignity and self-esteem. According to Gandhi, education for women was the need of the time that would ensure their moral development and make them capable of occupying the same platform as that of men. In Gandhi’s views, women can never be considered to be the weaker sex.

In fact, women for Gandhi were embodiments of virtues like knowledge, humility, tolerance, sacrifice and faith. The capability of enduring endless suffering can be witnessed only in the women, said Gandhiji. The doctrine of ahimsa as preached by Gandhiji incorporates the virtue of suffering as is evident in the women. Therefore, Gandhi envisaged a critical role for women in establishing non-violence” the Governor says.

Adding further the Governor says that “In 1918 Mahatma Gandhi started his movement for Khadi as relief programme for the poor masses living in India’s villages. Spinning and weaving was elevated to an ideology for self-reliance and self government. The spinning wheel was at one time the symbol of India’s poverty and backwardness. Gandhiji turned it into a symbol of self-reliance and non-violence. Khadi enabled him to carry his message of swadeshi and swaraj to the people and to establish connection with them. It was for economic, cultural and social reasons and not merely political that Gandhiji established the Khadi Movement.”

“Mahatma Gandhi had a revolutionary vision about making India clean. Revolutionary’, because he was probably the only leader of his time who realized that India’s emancipation was possible only through sanitation, not just independence. He did not just write about it but practiced what he preached. Along with ideas of Swadeshi and Non-Violence, Gandhi ji had a special mention about his concern for cleanliness. He often addressed people urging them to maintain hygiene, making them aware of the threat of the diseases they were surrounded with incase of dirty streets, water logged ditches and filthy lavatories. Cleanliness is the symbol of dignity, health and safety. Mahatma Gandhi took cleanliness to the level of spirituality. He had a firm belief in the proverb: ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’. Taking this idea ahead the Hon’ble Prime Minister had launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign and this campaign is being carried out successfully throughout India. To commemorate the 150 Birth Anniversary of Gandhiji, several events were organized by the Government across the country. I have given a programme namely, “Gandhi Samagra”, to the Goa Government, under which we will commemorate all aspects of Gandhian values.” the Governor informs.

“Mahatma Gandhi’s life and principles has inspired lives of all ages. Hence, Gandhi Jayanti is the right occasion to internalize his perpetual and valuable philosophy, and we all must try to follow the principles laid by this great Mahatma,” the Governor concluds.

Panaji, October 02, 2018 … The Directorate of Art & Culture, organizes “Cultural Talent Search Competitions” for the school students in Goa to promote and preserve the art & culture and to give platform to young generation of Goa.

 The Taluka Level Talent Search competition will be conducted in 1^st and second week in the month of October 2018. For south Goa the competition has been arranged on October 4 to 6 2018 at Rajiv Gandhi Kala MandirPonda, Loyola High school Margao and MahilaNutan High School Margao. For North Goa the competition will be held on October 8 to 10, 2018 at Sanskruti Bhavan Patto Panaji, Institute Menezes Braganza Hall Panaji and Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School and Mushtifund High School, Kujira Bambolim.

  The main aim of the competition is to promote the upcoming talent in the field of Music, Dance, Drama ,Fine art, Literature etc. this competition is organized for the school students from aided, Non aided & Government school from standard V^th to X^th. The competition will be held in the field of Tabla, Harmonium , Guitar, Keyboard, Violin, Indian Classical Vocal, Light Music, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Monologue, Western Solo, Pop Singing, Kantara,  Drum, Essay, Poetry (Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English), Handwriting and Drawing. There will be three prizes for each category at taluka level. 1^st three winners of Taluka level will compete at state level competition and winner of State Level will be awarded with the scholarships in each event.

 The competition for the Talukas from South Goa i.e.Dharbandoda, Canacona, Quepem, Salcet, Sanguem, Mormugao, will be held at Rajiv Gandhi Kala MandirPonda, Loyola High school Margao and MahilaNutan High School Margao as follows;

 October 4, 2018 Loyola High school Margao and Mahila Nutan High School Margao Goa Poetry Writing (Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English), Drawing. Mahila Nutan High School Margao Goa Essay (Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English), Devnagri and English Handwriting (For Dahrbandoda, Canacona, Quepem, Salcete, Marmugaoand Sanguem Taluka). Participants should be present at the venue at 2.30 pm at Loyala High School Margao.

 October 5, 2018 Indian /Classical Music, Tabla solo, Harmonium solo, Light Music, Western Singing, Pop Singing, Kantaram, Drum, Keyboard, Violin, Guitar, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Monologue (for Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona Taluka)Participants should be present at the venue at 8.30 am at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir Ponda.

 October 6, 2018  Indian /Classical Music, Tabla solo, Harmonium solo, Sitar, Light Music, Western Singing, Pop Singing, Kantaram, Drum, Keyboard, Violin, Guitar Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Monologue (for Salcete, Marmugao, Dharbandoda Taluka)Participants should be present at the venue at 8.30 am at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir Ponda.

 Sitar competition for South Goa will be held on  October 6, 2018 at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir Ponda. Participants should be present at the venue at 8.30 am.

 The competition for the Talukas from North Goa i.e. Pernem, Bardez, Bicholim, Sattari, Tiswadi and Pondawill be held at Sanskruti Bhavan Patto, Institute Menezes Braganza Hall Panaji, and Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School and Mushtifund High School, Kujira Bambolim.

 October 8, 2018 Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School and Mushtifund High School, Kujira Bambolim Goa Poetry and Essay Writing (Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English), Mushtifund High School Drawing and  Handwriting (For Pernem, Bardez, BicholimSattari,Tiswadi and PondaTaluka). Participants should be present at the venue at 2.30 pm at Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School and Mushtifund High School, Kujira Bambolim Goa. 

 October 9, 2018 Sanskruti Bhavan Patto,  Indian /Classical Music, Tabla solo, Harmonium solo, Sitar, Light Music, Western Singing, Pop Singing, Kantaram, Drum, Keyboard, Violin, Guitar and at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall Panaji Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Monologue (for Tiswadi, Bardez, Pernem Taluka)Participants should be present at the venue at 8.30 am.

 October 10,  2018: Sanskruti Bhavan Patto, Panaji  Indian /Classical Music, Tabla solo, Harmonium solo, Sitar, Light Music, Western Singing, Pop Singing, Kantaram, Drum, Keyboard, Violin, Guitar and at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall Panaji: Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Monologue (for Ponda, Bicholim, Sattari Taluka)Participants should be present at the venue at 8.30 am.

 Sitar competition for North Goa will be held on  October 10, 2018 at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto. Participants should be present at the venue at 8.30 am along with school  identity card compulsorily for all events. 

Margao:  October 02, 2018 … Minister for Revenue, Shri Rohan Khaunte asserting that the Government has brought various services online by way of IT enabled platforms, providing services in a time bound manner at the door steps of the people said the commitment of the Government to serve the people is clearly seen through all this initiated changes and steps.

Revenue Minister, Shri Rohan Khaunte was speaking after inaugurating the Administrative building of the Office of Deputy Collector, Sanguem in the presence of Power Minister, Shri Nilesh Cabral; MLA and Chairman, Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation, Shri Dipak Pauskar and MLA, Shri Prasad Gaonkar at Sanguem recently.

The Deputy Collector office is the new service for Sanguem taluka which was earlier looked after Sub Divisional Office, Quepem. People from various Panchayats of Sanguem taluka and Sanguem Municipality area will benefit with the opening of this office.

Speaking further, Shri Khaunte said that Government is only the facilitator. The people should come forward and cooperate to take the benefits of schemes and facilities provided. Society needs to work together for better governance he added.

Shri Khaunte promised to open Land and Survey Department Office and Common Service Centre at Sanguem by December 18, 2018 provided premises are made available. Common Service Centre will not only provide services of Revenue Department but also services and schemes provided through Agriculture, Transport, Woman and Child Development and other Government Departments under one roof, he said.

Shri Khaunte said that Sanguem taluka is geographically the biggest taluka among others and exclusive Deputy Collector office was very much necessary for the people of this taluka who had to go all the way to the Quepem Deputy Collector office for every small work.

The Revenue Department has brought various reforms in various Acts with the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar for the benefit of the people. A wide difference is seen in common person’s life with the various new practices and reforms in various acts, Shri Khaunte remarked.  The mutation cases are now cleared within 90 days irrespective of objection or not. Notices are served to the adjoining owners also while undertaking partition of land, he pointed.

Informing that the Revenue Department has decided to extend the period for regularisation of unauthorised structures by another 30 days from the date of publishing of this notification, the Revenue Minister urged the people to take benefits of this scheme.

Shri Nilesh Cabral said people cooperation and support is very much important for functioning of Government. Sanguem Taluka will be provided with all the facilities, he remarked.

MLA, Shri Dipak Pavuskar; MLA, Shri Prasad Gaonkar; Chairman, Zilla Panchayat, South, Shri Navnath Naik; Chairperson, Sanguem Municipal Council, Shri Rumaldo Fernandes also spoke on the occasion.

Under Secretary, Revenue, Shri Sudin Natu; Vice Chairperson, Sanguem Municipal Council, Smt Fauziya Shaikh was among prominent person present on the occasion.

Deputy Collector, Quepem, Shri Rohit Kadam welcomed while District Magistrate and Collector, South Goa, Dr Tariq Thomas presented the vote of thanks.

Panaji::: October 02, 2018 … On the occasion of International Senior Citizen’s Day, Directorate of Social Welfare honoured 17 Senior Citizens from the state for their contribution towards the betterment of society. Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Dr. Pramod Sawant was the Chief Guest for the function while Secretary of Social Welfare Shri. W.V.R.Murthy, IAS Director Shri. S.V. Naik, Deputy Director Shri. Santan Fernandes and Asst. Director Shri. Sudesh Gaude was present on the occasion.

Shri. Shrihari S.N. Kurade, Shri. Cosme D.P. alias Batu Rodriguese, Shri. Suresh Shivram Kamat, Shri. Albino Jose Antonio Francisco Xavier Da Cunha, Shri. Ramchandra S.S. Wagle, Smt. Esperance Rodrigues, Shri. Luis Jose Dor Remedios Menteiro, Shri. Vilas S. Surlakar, Shri. Pramod Hari Pai Dhungat, Shri. Babla T. Gauncar, Smt. Nalini Pandurang Naik, Smt. Savita S. Bodke, Shri. Shridhar Gokuldas Verenkar, Shri. Shantaram Krishna Parab, Shri. Madhukar Yashwant Mathkar, Shri. Suhas B. Naik and Shri. Pandurang Arjun Kamat was among those who were felicitated.

While addressing the gathering, the Speaker congratulated the senior citizens. “Many times, the elders in the house feel lonely and left out. Hence, it’s a dire need that we fill in the generation gap and talk to them. The government has started ‘ummid’ centers for those who feel departed. It’s a daycare center and gaining a huge response. Nuclear families have given rise to narrow mentality and selfishness. We must take care of our elders and their health as they are a great motivational force to us,” Dr. Sawant said.

The program began with lighting the traditional lamp. Shri. S.V. Naik welcomed the gathering. The Chief Guest felicitated the senior citizens. Shri. Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.

Margao:  October 1, 2018 … Member of Parliament, Shri Narendra Sawaikar stressing the need of closing all the Old Age Homes for having a healthy society appealed to the people to never part away with parents.

Shri Sawaiker was speaking after commissioning 10 static Bicycles for the inmates of IPA at Margao and inaugurating the ‘Snehi’ Sneha Bhaav Sanskar at Insitute of Provedoria, Margao today.  The bicycles costing around 4.5 lakhs have been provided to the institute under MPLAD shceme.

Old age is something which we can’t avoid, Shri Sawaikar said and called upon the children to shoulder the responsibility to take care of their elders.  Everyone has a responsibility to care of their family, he added.

The Institute of Provedoria have collaborated with few educational institutes of the South District and started the ‘SNEHI’ wherein the students of these institutes will visit old age homes 365 days, providing much needed care and attention to its inmates.

The institutes of Chowgule College, Damodar College and Jawahar Higher Secondary School have come forward to associate with Snehi.

The Director of IPA in his welcomed speech informed that the institute has also started making paper and cloth bags in association with the Goa college of Home Science to ensure that people desist from using plastic ones.

The Principals of the various colleges also spoke on the occasion.

Panaji: October 01,2018 … The Minister for Information & Technology Shri Rohan Khaunte in the auspicious  presence of Environment  Minister of Portugal Shri Joao Pedro De Matos Fernandes  recently inaugurated  10^th edition of Semana Da Cultura ( Indo Portuguese & Goa  ) at a functio0n held in the city.

Semana Da Cultura which was  founded in the year 2008 at the initiative of the Portuguese Consulate and various other local organizations with the intention to encourage and promote Portuguese and Goan art, music and culture etc. The function was begin with interactive session on the topic “Portuguese influence on Goan Culture participated by Shri Prajal Sakhardande and Smt Maria Lourdes Bravo de Costa on the panel while noted journalist and author  Shri.Alexander Barbosa moderated the session.

Shri Khaunte speaking on the occasion said that culture is strongly connected with the economics of the state. The culture of Goa is highly influenced by Portuguese culture.  The uniform civil code which is in force in the state is the legacy of Portuguese. Informing about the IT policy of the state he said the Government intend to develop Goa as It Hub and destination in the country. He appealed  to the Portuguese Minister Shri Joao Pedro Matos Fernandes to invest in IT sector in Goa which may create employment avenues for Goan  youth.

Minister for Environment of Portugal Shri Joao Pedro De Matos Fernandes in his address appreciated the stakeholders of Semana Da Cultura for their pain staking efforts to preserve Goas unique identity and culture. The efforts taken to maintain and keep alive Portuguese culture comprised of art ,music, films with the help of Goan and Portuguese artists in Goa  he said is remarkable. The cultural exchange between the two countries will help to strengthen relationship.     

Chairman of the Executive Committee Planning the event Shri Francisco Martins in his  welcome address said that through Semana Da Cultura –Indo Portuguese Goa, strive to share and enjoy the essence of our diverse culture and keep the unique Goan identity alive. As he said Goa has its unique culture and identity is a blend of Indian and Western nuances. He thanked to those who worked hard in putting the event together.

Consul General of Portugal in Goa ShriAntonio Crystella Tavares, Past President Semana Da Cultura Smt.Orty Soares, Past Chairman SDC Shri Anil;Khaunte, Shri Avdhoot Karo and past and  present members of Semana Da Cultura were  present on the occasion.  

Panaji, September 30, 2018 …… The Government of Goa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Portugal for Proposed Technical Cooperation Partnerships for Water Supply and Waste Water Management in Goa, at a function held in the city in today.

 Terming the MOU as a significant step between the Government of India and the Republic of Portugal, the Minister for Public Works Department (PWD), Shri. Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar, said, “It has been my earnest endeavour to develop modern infrastructure under sustainable development. The signing of the MOU is the consolidation of a true partnership and we shouldn’t miss out this opportunity for sustainable development. I am confident that we shall achieve this target and all objectives within the prescribed period,” he added.  

Shri. Dhavalikar informed further, “We have agreed and desire to implement the project of assessment of existing Salaulim Water Supply and Opa Water Supply projects. Decentralize Sewerage Treatment Plant on a pilot basis in Valpoi town of North Goa so also to study on the removal of manganese in Salaulim Water Supply System apart from capacity building.”

The Minister of Environment, Portugal, Shri. Joao Pedro Matos Fernandes said, “Portgual is committed to cooperation with India.” Shri. Fernandes added, “We have nothing to teach. We have nothing to sell to you. But we have things to share. It is important to share our knowledge with friends from other parts of the world.” Shri. Fernandes spoke of how Portugal had these same problems of water and waste water management decades ago.
Chief Secretary, Shri Dharmendra Sharma, IAS, informed that the MOU sets a framework for cooperation. He said, “This is the foundation stone he said for cooperation in other sectors to follow with Portugal.”

Executive Administrator of Aguas De Portugal, Ms. Alexandra Serra, Vice- President of the Portuguese Environment Agency, Shri. Pimenta Machado, Bastonary of the Order of Engineers, Shri. Mineiro Aires, Administrator of the Visabeira Group, Major Portuguese Engineering Enterprises, Dr. Joao Castro, Consul General of Portugal, Goa, Shri. Antonio Chrystelli Tavares, were among those present on the occasion.

Earlier, Principal Chief Engineer, PWD, Shri. Uttam Parsekar gave an overview of the MOU. Shri. Sheo Pratap Singh, IAS, Secretary, (PWD), proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Rina Barreto compered the programme.

Panaji, September 30, 2018 …. The 150^th Birth year of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi will be commemorated in the State.  The main State level function will be held at Gandhi Chowk, Old Goa on October 2, 2018 at 8.00 a.m. where Governor   Dr. (Smt) Mridula Sinha will be the Chief Guest. It will be organized by the Government of Goa in association with Village Panchayat Se Old Goa.

 The function will be attended by the Union Minister of State for Aayush (Independent Charge) Health and Family Welfare, Shri Shripad Y. Naik, MLA of Cumbharjua, Shri. Pandurang Madkaikar, Chief Secretary Shri Dharmendra Sharma (IAS),  Sarpanch V.P of  Se Old Goa, Smt Janita P. Madkaikar and  other dignitaries who will pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion. The Sarpanch of Old Goa will deliver the welcome address. The Governor will address the gathering on the occasion.

 To mark the celebration Prabhat pheri of school children will be held. This will be flagged off by the Governor from Old Goa. The Prabhat pheri will converge at the Gandhi Circle, the venue of the function.

 A group from Kala Academy will present bhajans. There will be recitation of Bhagwad Geeta verses, Bible verses and Quran verses.

 The Governor will then proceed to the Panchayat Hall, Se Old Goa, to pay tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastriji on the occasion of his Birth Anniversary.

The highlight of the celebration will be the setting up of stalls by different Departments/Corporations in the vicinity of the function at Old Goa on October 2. The stalls put up at Gandhi Circle will be visited by the Governor. The stalls that will be displayed by the Khadi and Village Industries Board, Department of Handicrafts, Textile and Coir, Rural Development Agency, Swachh Bharat Mission by Urban Development and the Students of Sanjay School, Porvorim.

Panaji ::: September 30, 2018  … In his witty yet enlightening address to the gathering at the 4^th Convocation Ceremony of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Goa, Vice President of India Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu advised the students to always remember their parents, country, native place, language and teachers.  “These five aspects will make you a humble human being,” Shri. Naidu said.

The Vice President attended the function as a Chief Guest while Governor Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha was the Guest of Honour. The function was held at Kala Academy’s Dinanath Mangeshkar Hall, today.

The NIT Goa, on this auspicious occasion, conferred the prestigious Doctor of Engineering (Ph.D.) Degree on Chief Minister Shri. Manohar Parrikar at the hands of Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu. The degree was received by Prof. Gopal Mugurai, Director of NIT Goa, on behalf of Shri. Parrikar.

While addressing the gathering, the Vice President conveyed his best wishes to the students and said that Convocation is not a ceremonial occasion, but a milestone which marks the beginning of a new chapter full of hope, dreams, and expectations of a bright and fulfilling career ahead.  He also expressed his happiness that three out of five Gold medallists of NIT are natives of Goa. “These three Gold medals depict the talent of the state. It is also a pleasure to know that 70% of the degree recipients are girls. It’s a very positive sign for our country,” Shri. Naidu added.

Adding further he said that learning is a lifelong process and one must learn and learn more before earning. “Competition provides opportunities but also throws challenges. New innovations and ideas are culminating. Setting higher goals and remaining consistent to achieve them is very important. Without aiming and dreaming, you will be only craving,” he remarked.

“As you embark on a new journey, always work hard and never look at shortcuts. Perseverance, pursuance, honesty, empathy, patience and self-belief will enable you to live and accomplish your dreams. Never yield to temptations and remain committed to the highest morals and values. India is the third largest economy in the world preferred for investment and IT remains the priority. IT is a beauty, if you combine it with your duty, you can become mighty in your life,” Shri. Naidu asserted.

“The world respects Indian culture and knowledge. We believe in ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam.’ Share and care is the core of Indian philosophy hence must understand our potential and upgrade the skills. India is poised to become a high middle-income country by 2030, and a lot of opportunities will be waiting for the skilled youth in different sectors. The Teachers should impart skills to the youngsters to enable them to find gainful employment or become self-employed. Government’s ‘Skill India’ programme is a step in that direction,” the Vice Presidents advised the students. He praised Goan culinary skills and iterated that the Goan Fish Curry has no parallels.

Informing the youth about the threats in the society, he opined that poverty, illiteracy, disease, farmer’s distress, corruption, climate change and atrocities on of women are the biggest challenges in front of us. “Don’t do anything to dishonor the prestige of our mothers and sisters. Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and not limited to a caste, religion, race, sex or a creed.  People, especially the engineering fraternity must come together and participate to build a sustainable, safe, secure and healthy life for the country. Use science and technology is for the betterment of life,” he said.

Shri. Naidu opined that education system lays the foundation for an all-round development of the nation. “We need to surmount many barriers to achieve faster growth and young engineers like you will have to play a catalytic role to wheel the progress.”

The Vice President further emphasized upon the urgent need to revamp higher education in the country in tune with contemporary requirements. “Our Universities need to overhaul the syllabi and the teaching methodologies to make the courses relevant to the needs of the industries. Employment is meant to empower, enlighten, widen the perspective of the students and develop them into global citizens. We need to improve the quality of life of the millions of Indians, and the role of scientists and engineers is very important in overcoming various challenges,” he said while advising the students to uphold the culture and protect nature for a better future.

“The life beyond this institution is vast and complex.  Do not forget your obligation towards the society and ethical aspect of your engineering profession. Our nation has to put in efforts to protect the environment and reduce carbon footprint. Man should not tamper with nature but co-exist in harmony for a greener, life-enhancing future. Indians have believed in worshipping nature and its bounty. Therefore, always uphold our culture and protect nature for a better future,” Shri. Naidu concluded.

In her address to the gathering, Governor. Dr. Smt. Mridula Sinha gave the students an oath to be sincere towards society, parents, job and nature. She urged the students to work towards eradicating social evils with efforts and insight. The Governor stressed that Engineers play a pivotal role in the infrastructure development of the society and they must perform their duties with honesty and sincerity.

Earlier, Director of NIT Prof. Gopal Mugurai welcomed the gathering. The Chief Guest then conferred 5 Ph.Ds, 46 M.Tech and 86 B.Tech degrees to students and also felicitated the faculty members of NIT. Registrar Shri. Vasanth administered the Engineering Oath to the students. Shri. Shankar Prasad compered the function while Shri. Vasanth proposed the vote of thanks.