Jaipur, Aug 7 (IANS) Rajasthan Governor, Haribhau Bagde, attended a national seminar on the theme ‘Drug-free Vagad, Healthy Youth, Empowered Tribal Community and Developed India’ at Govind Guru Tribal University (GGTU), Banswara, on Friday. Addressing the gathering, the Governor called upon citizens to actively contribute towards building a drug-free India.
He said that narcotic substances are being used to weaken the country’s youth and urged people to counsel those affected by addiction while reporting drug traffickers to the police. He also highlighted the dangers of driving under the influence of intoxicants, noting that such incidents claim the lives of many young people and leave their families facing immense hardship.
The Governor also referred to the Government’s TB-Free India campaign and appealed to people to help tuberculosis patients in their neighbourhoods who are unable to access treatment, ensuring they receive timely medical care.
Describing universities as temples of learning, Bagde said that students are akin to deities and teachers to priests. He emphasised that Govind Guru Tribal University was established for the welfare of the tribal community and expressed hope that an increasing number of tribal students would pursue higher education there.
He observed that quality education is the key to eliminating poverty and said that transforming one generation through education secures the future of generations to come.
Stressing the importance of foundational learning, the Governor said that quality primary education is essential for building a strong education system. He urged educationists to focus on improving the standard of primary education and nurturing the intellectual capabilities of students.
The Governor said that the true purpose of education is to make life meaningful by fostering intellectual growth, self-discipline, tolerance, morality and civility.
“Education without values serves little purpose,” he remarked. Referring to governance in higher education, Bagde said that Vice-Chancellors found involved in financial irregularities in universities had been suspended, describing it as an unprecedented step in Rajasthan’s history.
Recalling the contribution of Govind Guru to India’s freedom struggle, the Governor said that the revered tribal leader united the Bhil and Banjara communities to build a powerful movement against British rule and made a significant contribution to the country’s struggle for Independence.
Earlier, the Governor planted a Khejri sapling on the university campus. Noting that Khejri is Rajasthan’s State Tree, he said that directions had been issued from Raj Bhavan to promote its plantation and conservation across the state.
–IANS
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