Value-based education essential for national unity and harmony: Governor

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot underscored that developing an education system which integrates modern knowledge with strong values is essential for preserving national unity, harmony, and cultural integrity.

Addressing the 106th annual convocation of the University of Mysore on January 5, the Governor said India’s rich cultural heritage has always promoted universal brotherhood, peace, equality, and harmony. “An education system rooted in values, along with modern knowledge, will help safeguard religion and culture, strengthen national unity and integrity, foster social harmony, and provide a positive direction to the world while benefiting humanity as a whole,” he said, adding that the National Education Policy is a significant step in this direction.

Highlighting the vision of a developed India, the Governor underlined the crucial role of youth in nation-building and noted that rapid global changes driven by science and technology, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and climate change require skills, wisdom, and ethical approaches. “In such times, the responsibility of youth becomes even more significant,” he observed.

The Governor said the State has consistently played a pioneering role in knowledge, innovation, and good governance and is currently leading the nation in information technology, biotechnology, space science, entrepreneurship, and higher education. He stated that the youth represent a confident and determined India and Karnataka and are striving towards the goal of a ‘Developed India’. He emphasised that knowledge, hard work, and a strong sense of duty are key to achieving this aspiration.

Mr. Gehlot reminded students of their fundamental rights and duties, including protecting the unity and integrity of the nation, fostering scientific temper, and safeguarding public property. He said fulfilling these duties is both a moral and constitutional responsibility of educated citizens, and urged the youth to make them an integral part of their lives.

Describing the University of Mysore as one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, the Governor said it has consistently linked education with service, research, social responsibility, and national commitment. He said Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Kuvempu, and D.V. Gundappa shaped India’s intellectual identity globally.

He noted that the 106th convocation symbolised a meaningful confluence of knowledge, tradition, and modernity.

Urging students not to be discouraged by failures, the Governor said failure is an integral part of learning. He encouraged them to continue learning and ensure that knowledge reaches the last person in society. He congratulated all degree recipients and gold medalists and called upon them to uphold the dignity of the University of Mysore, the State of Karnataka, and the nation.

Minister M.C. Sudhakar, former ISRO chairman Dr. S. Somanath, Vice-Chancellor N.K. Loknath, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.