Objective of education should be to promote innovation and freedom in thinking – Ram Nath Kovind

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the annual convocation of the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University in Surat, Gujarat on 29th May 2018.

Speaking on the occasion, the President noted that the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University is named after renowned Gujarati literary figure Narmadashankar Dave or Veer Narmad, who was not only a poet and writer but also a social reformer. Veer Narmad was a nation builder who shaped Gujarati and Indian identity and worked for female empowerment, widow remarriage, and similar causes.

The President said the region of south Gujarat is an economic engine for the state. And within this region, Surat makes a significant contribution. The textiles and diamond industries are special to Surat and attract workers from across the country. That is why the city is sometimes called “mini India”. As the leading educational institution here, the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University bears an important responsibility. The large tribal student population that the University serves also adds to its salience.

The President said the objective of education should be to nurture freedom of thought and innovation within the student community, besides building capacities for a professional career. Education should also teach us to respect sentiments of others as well work for the welfare of society.

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