Panaji ::: September 30, 2018 … In his witty yet enlightening address to the gathering at the 4th 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.
