Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat called upon graduating students at Gujarat Technological University (GTU) at its 10th annual convocation here today to achieve purusharth in the nation’s development with a humane approach.
He said there is need for coordination between ancient Indian knowledge and tradition with modern education system’s readiness in the wake society waiting for skilled youth in this technological age.
The Governor exhorted the students to be always a student to continuously enrich their knowledge. He said that Gujarat is now becoming a model of development in the entire country under the continuous guidance of incumbent Prime Minister and the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. In such a situation it is imperative for the youth to achieve the target of nation’s welfare treading the path of compassion, tolerance and righteousness.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani recalled that it was Prime Minister Modi as the Chief Minister of Gujarat had established GTU to ensure the students here get best education at their doorstep. There was a time when youth of Gujarat had to go to get admission in medical and engineering colleges in other states with heavy donation. The situation has changed now. The number of sector specific universities in the state has increased to 77, whereas there were only seven universities even after 35 years of foundation of Gujarat.
Similarly, the number of degree engineering colleges increased to 242 with 81,586 seats, as against only 20 such colleges with 2,295 seats in 1995. The number of polytechnic colleges has now increased to 164 with 75,753 seats, as against only nine diploma colleges with 6,020 seats in 1995. The students get an opportunity to develop their skill in GTU.
Mr. Rupani said that Gujarat is returning to the glory of ancient Vallabhi as the education centre as 900 foreign students have passed out of GTU. There are at present 10,000 foreign students in Gujarat. He wished more foreign students come to Gujarat.
The Chief Minister also asked the students to be always a student. The future belongs to Gujarat. The state’s youth will overcome new challenges with new ideas. He asked them to move on from patenting to production, from imagination to innovation, from jobseekers to job-givers.
Mentioning the achievements of Gujarat, Chief Minister said that in the entire country, Gujarat has attracted lion share of 52% in Foreign Direct Investment. Gujarat is producing 21 per cent of total car production of the country. Gujarat handles 40 % cargo of the nation. Large numbers of works are being done in agriculture and vehicle production sector as well.
The Chief Minister further stated that Gujarat, front-runner on the path of development, requires youths with skills and knowledge for every sector. For this, the government is working with speed, scale and sensitivity. He wished good wishes to the successful students.
Speaking on the occasion, Gujarat Education Minister Mr. Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said that Gujarat, under the competent leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani, is the first state in the country to formulate ‘Student Start-up & Innovation Policy’.
At present, ‘Student Start-up & Innovation Centre’ is operational in 30 universities of the state. By the end of February 2021, this figure will swell to 77 universities in Gujarat, he added.
Those who spoke on the occasion included GTU’s registrar Mr. K. N. Kher, Mr. Navin Seth – Vice-chancellor, GTU, and Dr. K. Kasturirangan – former chairman of ISRO and Padma Bhushan Awardee.
In the 10th Convocation Function of the GTU, the degrees were awarded to 106,511 students, including Gold Medal to 132 students and PhD to 51 students.
The event was also graced by Education Minister of State Mrs. Vibhavariben Dave, vice-chancellors of various universities, members of Board of Governors, professors, and others.
