Kurien?s stress on rural development

CHANCELLOR OF Allahabad University (AU) Padma Vibhushan Dr V Kurien on Sunday said that the development of the nation is not possible unless the rural population is brought within its ambit.

CHANCELLOR OF Allahabad University (AU) Padma Vibhushan Dr V Kurien on Sunday said that the development of the nation is not possible unless the rural population is brought within its ambit

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The majority of nation's population is living in countryside and true development is the development of ruralfolk, said Dr Kurian who was speaking as the chief guest at the 27th foundation day function of Govind Ballabh Pant Social Sciences Institute (GBPSSI) and 119th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Pt Govind Ballabh Pant here on Sunday.

Dr Kurien said that the new era of liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation aimed only at maximising the profit and it benefited only a small percentage of population. He said that the farmers are still living under deplorable conditions and advocated for co-operative movement in rural areas which has great potential.

Dr Kurien said that comprehensive approach on social problems will bring social equality and social harmony in the country. He said that a government governs the best which governs the least and bureaucratic institutions only need to provide guidance instead of taking things in their own hands.

Dr Kurien said that dairy is the single largest employment providing area and India has surpassed United States of America to become the largest producer of milk in the world. He narrated his experiences as pioneer of co-operative movement which elevated an ordinary town like Anand in Gujarat to international level.

Presiding over the function AU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajen Harshe said that we should think globally and work locally. He recalled Pt Pant's role in nation building through the rejection of stereotype alternatives to development. Prof Harshe called Dr Kurien an icon and praised the achievements of the institute.

Earlier Dr Kurian paid floral tribute to Pt GB Pant and planted trees besides inaugurating the Bidesia Gallery at Manav Vikas Sangrahalya of the Institute. Dr Kurien along with other guests viewed the Bidesia exhibition which is an international research project on the migration, social development and cultural identity in the Bhojpuri region of India, in Surinam and Netherlands. The function began with Saraswati Vandana performed by the students and lighting of the lamps by the guests.

GBPSSI Director Dr RC Tripathi welcomed the guests and presented a report on the institute after being included as the constituent institute of AU. Dr Kurien released books by faculty members of the institute .

Dr KN Bhatt conducted the proceedings and proposed the vote of thanks. The function concluded with Vande Mataram sung by all those present on the occasion. Many distinguished personalities including Padmashree RS Gehlot, Justice (rtd) RB Mehrotra, several teachers from AU and its constituent colleges , some AU Executive Council members and several students were present on the
occasion.