CJI Ramana Urges Students To Build A Vibrant Democracy Where Differences Of Identities & Opinions Are Respected

While delivering the convocation address at the Acharya Nagarjuna University at Vijayawada, Chief Justice of India urged the students to build a democracy filled with vibrancy and idealism, where the differences of identities and opinons are respected.In his address, CJI lamented the declining social participation of students. He recalled that in earlier days, Universities used to be fertile grounds for various social movements."I am afraid that institutions are losing their social relevance. We are witnessing mushrooming of factories of education which are leading to devaluation of degrees and human resources. I am not sure, who or what is to be blamed", he opined.CJI Ramana, who was awarded with a honorary doctoral degree by the University, said that true education should enable individuals to acknowledge the deep rooted issues prevailing in society and find appropriate solutions. Universities ought to be incubation centres of novel ideas and pathbreaking research.Here is the full text of his address :My sincere congratulations to all those who completed their academic coursesand received their degrees and medals in 37th and 38th Convocation, today. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the proud parents and family members of the new graduates. The students must never forget the sacrifices of their parents and the family.On this occasion I feel extremely privileged to be receiving an honorary doctorate from the my own university.A large part of who we are today, is shaped by the values, principles, and knowledge instilled by educational institutions in our early stages of self- discovery and development. Not only does it shape our mind and personality, but it also serves as a launchpad for people's aspirations and dreams.Acharya Nagarjuna University is one such institution, where the pursuit of academic excellence and cultural heritage went hand in hand. The founders of this institution have taken a cue from the ideals and principles of philosopher and scholar- Shri Acharya Nagarjuna in establishing and renaming this University.Many contemporary scholars consider him to be one of the greatest philosophers in the history of Asia. He spent his final years preaching in this region and he had a profound influence on people's thoughts.Acharya Nagarjuna University was designed around providing integrated education that places equal focus on developing moral character and achieving academic excellence. Now, in the past four decades, it has grown into a university with 450 affiliated colleges, imparting varied degrees in Engineering, Law and Pharmacy to name a few.In pre-independence India, education imparted by the colonial rulers was centred around producing an obedient work-force. When the world had just emerged out of two devastating world wars, it was imminent that the nations' fate would be dependent on the ideologies of its population. Independent India needed a model of education which removed our colonial thinking and promoted national integration and creation of awareness.When the new nation was born in 1947, it already had a population of over 350 million. We started as a primarily agrarian country, replete with issues of social inequity, poverty, and illiteracy. However, many statesmen believed that inequalities that exist in society could be eradicated by pursuing "mission education". They believed that a holistic education would put a halt on prohibitive and restrictive conventions passed on through generations. With social awareness and sensibility, the general populace could move forward with a more inclusive attitude. As NelsonMandela had said and I quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world". For modern independent India, education was not just a movement for self-enlightenment. It was a movement seeking social upliftment and economic revolution.This is why, the Kothari Commission Report of 1966, stated, 'the destiny of India is now being shaped in her classrooms. This, we believe, is no mere rhetoric. In a world based on science and technology, it is education that determines the level of prosperity, welfare and security of the people.'Therefore, it was of utmost importance to focus on equal distribution of educational opportunities. Recognizing the need for access to education, the Supreme Court read the right to education into the ambit of the Right to Life. Article 21-A was subsequently inserted, mandating free and compulsory education for all children in the age group of 6 to 14. The ideal of 'education for all' also found reflection in the fundamental duties and the Directive Principles of State Policy. Finally, in 2009, the Right to Education Act came into force.Coming to professional education in India, it was the advent of professional institutions in Independent India which provided accessible education to all classes. A generation of students got an opportunity for the first time to access professional education. These institutions of learning ...

CJI Ramana Urges Students To Build A Vibrant Democracy Where Differences Of Identities & Opinions Are Respected

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