“Youth must be trained and motivated to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and therefore make India a global hub of trained human resources. The need of the hour is to channelize the energy of youth in constructive nation building activities. The youth of our nation, that comprises 65 percent of the country’s population, has to be constructive not obstructive; we need to be positive and not negativity; positivity of mind, thoughts and actions will make you strong and stable. The youth must join the forces of growth and shun negativity.”
These were the words of the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu while he was addressing the inauguration of Amenities Centre at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on November 16, 2020.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Vice Chancellor of UoH, Professor Appa Rao Podile extended a warm welcome to the Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri. Venkaiah Naidu and to the Minister of Home, Prisons, and Fire Services, Government of Telangana, Shri Mohammad Mahmood Ali.
In his opening remarks, Professor Podile said, “Today is a special day for us as it is the inaugural of one of the iconic buildings of the University of Hyderabad. The new Amenities Centre was planned by the University of Hyderabad even before we were conferred with the status of Institution of Eminence by the Government of India.” He also welcomed Chancellor Justice L Narasimha Reddy, Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. B Raja Shekar, Deans of the school, and other officials.
Continuing his address, Hon’ble Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu said, “I am very pleased to inaugurate the new Amenities Centre in the sprawling campus of University of Hyderabad, the youngest Institution of Eminence. If we all work together, follow discipline; focus on education and improving the level of standards, all the other things can follow later. We have to think in terms of why are we lagging behind, what is the reason? There is a dearth of knowledge among our people, all they need is a proper guidance and good education; they will excel, irrespective of their religion, caste, creed or gender. Everyone has that capacity, all we have to do is recognize and guide them. People can study different ideologies, but the main ideology should be academic excellence.”
“I am told that the new Amenities Centre of 3,260 square meters has user friendly facilities, with the office of the Dean of Students Welfare, Chief Warden, Chief Proctor, among others. Besides, there is an amphitheatre and a multi-cuisine food court. It also provides students with a space for socialization and interaction with their peers. As we know, holistic education is important for the development of people and that the ultimate role of education: transforming them for the betterment of the nation and enhancing the living standards of people. Education empowers people to overcome challenges like: poverty and hunger,” he added.
“The entire universe is our family,” Shri Venkaiah Naidu mentioned and said, “This attitude has to reach everyone and this should be the core of the education policy. Even after 73 years of attaining freedom, we have yet not achieved 100 percent literacy rates. There is a need for concerted efforts from all the stakeholders to promote literacy and achieve the goal of having a fully literate society. I am glad that the new education policy proposed by the government of India not only focuses on improving quality of education but also seeks to develop character, inculcate scientific temper, promote creativity, spirit of service, equip students to meet 21st century challenges. I have gone through the education policy in detail and it is holistic, very comprehensive and very meaningful. It provides scope to our higher education institutions to scale new heights and to be counted among best in the world. I am happy that the new education policy proposed a National Research Foundation as well.”
He concluded by adding, “The nation is passing through a critical juncture and there are many challenges before us. Like all the other sectors, the education sector has also faced unprecedented disruption in the wake of COVID-19 and has brought forth new challenges before both teachers and students. And now we know that it is important to integrate technology to support teaching and learning. There is a need to study and adopt the best practices, like that of University of Hyderabad.”
Later the Chancellor Justice L Narasimha Reddy presented mementos to the Hon’ble Vice President of India and the Minister of Home, Prisons and Fire Services, Government of Telangana.
Dr. B Nagarjuna, Dean-Students’ Welfare proposed the words of thanks.
-Soumya Sharma, Dept. Communication
The inaugural can be seen at the video link below: