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Secularism helped India grow post Independence: Gen Rawat
LUCKNOW “We must thank our social trait of secularism for the fast-paced development of the country after Independence,” said Army chief General Bipin Rawat in his
LUCKNOW “We must thank our social trait of secularism for the fast-paced development of the country after Independence,” said Army chief General Bipin Rawat in his address at the 8th convocation of the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University here on Monday.
“Secularism, the idea of unity in diversity and to consider people of every community equal, must be thanked for the development of this country,” said Rawat who was the chief guest on the occasion. “The essence of this trait is also reflected in this university and I feel privileged to be here on this occasion,” he added.
The comment was followed by applause from the audience that comprised largely of students and their family members.
“Our youth are the future of our country. Some of the students who are passing out today from here, could possibly have their names written in golden letters in the history of this country,” said Rawat cautioning students that they may face difficulties in their journey.
“You will face many difficulties in your way towards progress. The responsibility of taking this country on the path of progress is on your shoulders and many challenges will come before you in this journey. You will be successful in overcoming some challenges and sometimes you will fail. But whenever you fail, make that failure your inspiration and learn from it to move forward,” he emphasised.
The General also underlined the political leadership’s goal of making the country a five-trillion dollar economy and said that it could only be achieved with the involvement of students. “It is you who will have to contribute to fulfill this aim,” he said.
As many as 251 gold medals and 2,805 degrees were awarded to meritorious students during BBAU’s convocation here on Monday.
“The future of the country depends on the path the students present here take in their lives. We, as teachers, have equipped you with basic knowledge that you need to do better in life. And now it’s time for you to make use of this knowledge,” said Prakash C Bartunia, chancellor of the university, as he welcomed the students and participants at the event.
Medals and degrees were conferred on students who completed their courses in 2019 and 2018.
As many as 113 gold medals were awarded to students who completed their course this year while 119 gold medals were distributed among the 2018 batch students. A total of 17 gold medals were awarded to 2016 and 2017 batch students awarded during the event.
Two students, Rohit Verma of history department and Mungmuri Kranthi Kumar of were conferred the prestigious RD Sonkar Award.
“Every student who has received degree and medal today must remember this moment and continue to strive for the better and make themselves worthy of similar awards,” said the chancellor.
Female students bagged more medals than their male counterparts. For 2019, 61 girls won gold medals as against 52 boys. For 2018, 79 girls won gold medals as against 40 male students.
Niharika Tiwari of BBA from School for Management Studies who won gold medal said, “I have learnt many things from the university that will remain with me throughout life. I thank my family members and teachers for my success.”
Mansi Mandal of M.Sc (Food Science and Technology) from the School for Home Science, who won gold medal, said: “The medal is one of my biggest achievements in life that will surely motivate me in all my future endeavours.”
Prahlad Kamble, who is known for his work in the economic development of socially backward classes, was invited as the distinguished guest at the ceremony. He was conferred the Honoris Causa by the university.
“ I came from Maharashtra, which is the land of Babasaheb, Mahatma Phule and Chhatrapati Sahu Ji Maharaj. The University, named after Babasaheb, is making its pioneering contributions in the field of education. I am a follower of Babasaheb who was a great economist,” said Kamble.
Kamble suggested that there was a need to work for the development of socially backward classes, even today.
“In order to fulfill the aspirations of the youth of this class, we have established DICCI (Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries), which has been working for the last 15 years for economic promotion and development of leadership capacity in Dalit society.”
251 gold medals, 2,805 degrees awarded
As many as 251 gold medals and 2,805 degrees were awarded to meritorious students during BBAU’s convocation on Monday.
Pooja, B ED topper
She took over responsibilities of her siblings and mother after her father, an auto rickshaw driver, passed away in 2015. The same year Pooja bagged gold medal in MSc (Maths) before joining the B Ed course.
Khushboo, M Phil, gold medallist
A research scholar with degrees in sociology and tourism, Khushboo joined the course in philosophy to expand her horizons. She secured the gold medal with 83% marks. Inclined towards research, she wants to explore the scientific aspects of subject in the future and is currently pursuing PhD.
Vikas Kumar Singh, LLM, gold medallist
A native of Varanasi, Vikas joined the course with determination to join the judiciary of the country. He thanked his parents and teachers for his success. He is currently serving as a law officer in the ministry of commerce and has also written the exam of judicial services.
