SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE CONVOCATION OF SYMBIOSIS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Pune, Maharashtra, 3rd December 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

And Dear Students,

I am very happy to be here at the Symbiosis International University for its 8th Convocation, set up in 1971 by Dr. S.B. Mujumdar. He is an educationalist of repute. In 2002 it became a Deemed University. Today, Dr. Mujumdar is the Chancellor of the University, and I would like to congratulate him for his contribution to the cause of higher education in India, and also convey my good wishes to the Vice-Chancellor, the management, the teaching faculty, the staff and students. I congratulate Prof. Bertil Andersson, President of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Shri Sundeep Waslekar, President Strategic Foresight Group, Mumbai who have been conferred Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa.

In the Indian ethos, search for knowledge is deeply ingrained. Knowledge is considered essential for understanding ourselves, the world and indeed, the universe. A prayer in the Upanishads with a line - 'tamaso ma jyotirgamaya' which means - lead me from darkness to light, encapsulates this approach. Imparting knowledge at the ashrams of the Gurus in ancient times, at Nalanda University or at Visva-Bharati University, established by Gurudev Tagore or at Antar Bharati established by Sane Guruji - all are a part of the continuing quest for acquiring knowledge in our country. Your institution, I am aware draws its inspiration from this tradition, particularly from Visva-Bharati and 'Antar Bharati'. I wish you the very best for your efforts to spread the light of knowledge.

A glance at the history of India covering millennia of years shows that there is much that the world has learnt from India. The famous German scholar and philosopher of 19th Century Friedrich Hegel, in his lecture on the 'Philosophy of History' described India as a land of marvels. He wrote and I quote, "From the ancient times downwards, all nations have directed their wishes and longings to gaining access to the treasures of this land of marvels, the treasures of nature as also treasures of wisdom." Unquote. India today holds for the world an example of a vibrant democracy, of economic growth and a commitment to move ahead in a manner that is aimed at the welfare for all. We also seek to contribute to world peace and development. Indeed, if we are to settle down in the world in harmony, we would need to embrace the concept of truth and non-violence, co-operation and tolerance, so much a part of Indian people and of the Apostle of peace of our times - Mahatma Gandhi.

Our Universities should be symbols of learning, humanism, tolerance and balanced reasoning. A University is home to scholars, academicians, and scientists, who through their intellectual and technical pursuits, and imparting of knowledge, contribute to the progress of societies and nations. A University is also a home for students, whose ideas and work will be the determinants of the future. Education has a fundamental role to play in creating responsible, innovative, analytical and also compassionate citizens. As a society transforms, the education system must respond to change. It is only then, that it will be relevant. Our institutions of higher learning must gear up for facing challenges of a knowledge based and technology-driven world.

Science and Technology have greatly influenced the course of human civilization, and continue to hold the key to future economic growth and social development. It is important that Universities have an environment sympathetic to and supportive of innovation, including looking at innovations useful to the lives of the people. Local demands for appropriate technology could be addressed through the creation of a development centre for such technologies in university campuses. All of us living in today's world are aware of climate change and the need to deal with it. In India we have launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission to develop solar energy in the country. One of the constraints we face is the high cost of solar panels. I wonder would it, for example, be possible for the technical students of your University to find an innovative way of making more efficient cheaper solar cells? Or alternate cost effective technology to harness solar energy?

Education, undoubtedly, is about knowledge. It should be the aim of the youth to become intellectually competent and technically skilled. Knowledge without values is however, incomplete. Education without values is like a flower without fragrance. Education should impart values to the youth that makes them sensitive to fellow human beings, and the environs around them. Education is, therefore, a process that makes a complete individual in all respects.

Dear Students,

I will emphasize some aspects which you must bear in mind if you are to do well in life. You will require not only knowledge and discipline, but also the desire from within to perform the task at hand with excellence. Time management helps you prioritize tasks and to complete them as per schedule. Goals are easier to achieve in this way. Work with single minded devotion to achieve your goals. Attention and focus on what you are doing, will give you the capacity to understand issues in depth and to deal with situations in a balanced manner. You are in the learning phase of your lives. Ask questions and find out answers. Do not be afraid of making a mistake. From mistakes, one develops a greater understanding. A stumble today may prevent a greater fall tomorrow. When there are disappointments and failures do not give up. Remember that beyond the clouds there is the Sun. You must persevere and work hard. As has been famously said,

Your education is for your enlightenment, and for you to progress in life, but it is also meant for working for the welfare of others. India is no doubt progressing, but the problems of total eradication of poverty, ignorance and disease are still work in progress. Eradication of social evils is yet another challenge which we are faced with. You are a part and parcel of society. So, never feel unconcerned about it. You can do a lot to change this scenario. There are always noble causes to work for, and there is always a task you can also do. Gurudev Tagore whose life is so full of accomplishments once wrote, and I quote, "The song that I came to sing remains unsung to this day". Unquote. This is because throughout his life he was doing one thing after another. Similarly, in your life carry on doing one good deed after another. I hope that you will be socially sensitive persons, capable of shouldering responsibilities expected from you as citizens of your country, and as global citizens. As said by Sane Guruji,

Which means:-

Let us make efforts and attain a great achievement,
This life is not to be wasted; Let your future be bright.

Symbiosis University is one place where students from different countries are studying together. This provides for interactions and a better understanding of the richness of the many cultures of different nations. Each of you can be promoters of global peace and development. As clearly our planet is one, and we all have to work together in the spirit of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam'. Narrow divisions can only hold back progress, but developing a universal approach towards humanity brings with it many benefits.

Finally, I would like to say that as we expand our institution of learning, we have to be careful that by concentrating on quantity, we do not compromise on quality. Quality faculty is important to maintain high standards of our universities, so that world class graduates, post-graduates and Doctoral students are produced. There is also the need for the faculty to equip themselves with the required knowledge and technical skills, to cater to the demands of global markets, in an integrated world.

I convey my best wishes to the Chancellor, faculty members, staff and students. My special wishes once again to the graduating students, as they leave this institution. I wish them all the best. I hope that this University will continue to progress in the years ahead.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!