Address During The Interaction With The Students Of Lady Doak College, Madurai

Righteousness in the heart

I am indeed delighted to interact with the students of Lady Doak College, which imparts education exclusively for women in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management and Information Technology. My greetings to the Principal, faculty members, and other distinguished participants and students of this college for empowering women through quality education and thereby raising their standards to contribute to the society. I would like to share with you some thoughts on "Righteousness in the heart".

Working towards Excellence

I note that the College has led to a large number of graduates and postgraduates who are functioning as Vice-Chancellors, Directors, Judges, Principals, Professors and Scientists in many reputed institutions in India and abroad. I am happy to note that 60% of the students passing out from this college are taking up teaching as a profession, which is a very good sign for societal upliftment. The college has been accredited the five-star status for outstanding performance by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. Also, the University Grants Commission has identified the college as one of the colleges with potential for excellence.

Enlightened Women and Nation Building

In our country women constitute 48% of the total population. If this whole 48% contribute to the national development then the National Vision 2020 of transforming India into a developed nation will be nearer. Now-a-days women are entering in every field. They are becoming doctors, engineers, advocates, teachers; political leaders, administrators, police officials, professionals and they also have joined the Armed Forces. Particularly, enlightened women are very important for nation building since their thoughts, the way of working and value system will lead to faster development of a good family, good society and a good nation.

Women Education

I would like to emphasize that women education has to be given highest priority. When the women are empowered, society with stability will get assured. We have to ensure the continuity of secondary education and university education for girls. It is essential to establish connectivity between the university and secondary schools. Distance education packages have to be evolved to cater towards women education for reaching remote areas. Periodically, secondary level students should be counseled to continue their education both in diploma and degree level. I am happy to note this college is giving due importance to these thoughts and promoting women to be full fledged graduates who will work for development of the nation particularly Tamil Nadu.

Emerging women

When I am in the midst of future women professionals and leaders with an urge to participate in the national movement, I am reminded of Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharatiar, who composed the poem which symbolizes the dynamics of life:

The poet focuses beautifully the importance of honest and ceaseless work for individual and thereby for the nation.

Organization Empowerment

I would like to recall an incident of 1972, nearly 3 decades back. When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of ISRO, passed away there was indeed a crisis looking for a dynamic management system for the space programme. Prof Kamala Choudhary a renowned management expert from IIM, Ahmedabad was given the task by Prof MGK Menon the then Chairman, ISRO to re-organize ISRO with the changed environment and the mission. She started her work by interviewing different cross section of scientists, technicians and staff and came out with a reorganization management plan for ISRO which was unique and stands even today. It had two important aspects ? empowering the scientist and creating people centric missions, taking into account the organization vision and people's dreams and aspirations. The result of such empowered organisation plan eletricified ISRO to achieve major milestones and has become a very successful organization with eminent leaders heading ISRO.

Entrepreneurial leadership

When a student go out of this campus after graduation, you should have the confidence to start an enterprise individually or jointly. Entrepreneurship development should become a part of the college education. The entrepreneurial leadership has three parts. First, problem finding and problem solving in the context of development. In second part, the entrepreneurs should have the willingness to take risk and be courageous to do things differently. We must teach our graduates to take calculated risks for the sake of larger gain. The third part is the disposition to do things right. This capacity will enable them to take up tasks of establishing and running small enterprises in their regions. This will enable students to become job providers rather than job seekers. In India there are many very successful entrepreneurs like Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon.

Righteousness

After your successful educational career you will be pursuing many professions and some of you managing homes which is equally important. The prime trait needed in conduct of all the professions will be righteousness. I would like to share with you a divine hymn.

Righteousness

Where there is righteousness in the heart

There is beauty in the character.

When there is beauty in the character,

there is harmony in the home.

When there is harmony in the home.

There is an order in the nation.

When there is order in the nation,

There is peace in the world.

Now I would like to answer some of the questions asked by the students of this college.

1. What is the secret of your success?

- S. Suganya, II B.Sc. Maths (SF)

Ans. Dream, Sweat and Perseverance. You must have a goal in your life. Work hard to achieve it. While doing work you will definitely encounter some problems. You should face them boldly and become the master of the problem. If God is with us, who can be against?

2. How will we get inspiring teachers to mould our youngsters when all our best brains are becoming engineers and doctors and going abroad in search of greener pastures?

- Sathya Sheela, III

B.Sc. Physics

Ans. Even today, there are many who love teaching. They are available, they love the country and they will not leave. We have to make use of these committed teachers and use the technology to reach their voices to remote areas through tele-education system. This will enable motivation and moulding of our youngsters.

3. Who do you think will be responsible for leading India towards a bright future? Youth or National Leaders ?

- T. Suganya, III B.CA

(02 CAPE 35)

Ans. All citizens collectively are responsible for leading India towards a bright future. Youth have definitely a major role to play. Our 540 million youth will definitely work towards transforming India into a developed nation.

4. Though I am burdened by the calamities happening around me, and I want very much to do something about it, I am unable to do so, as a girl bound by traditions and customs. What is your suggestion to solve my predicament?

- T.Seethalakshmi, II

Year B.Sc. Bio technology

Ans. You can concentrate on your studies and excel. You can take up a single mission and make your home a noble home.

6. What is of vital importance - Personal development or national development? In what way does personal development contribute to national development?

- Heeba Jemi, III B.Com

Ans. National development has to be achieved through people. Hence, development of people is very important. We have to create a personal development programme which will generate enlightened citizens who in turn will contribute towards national development.

7. Our core Indian identity and ethos are being overpowered by the onslaught of western influence on our youth. How to sustain our identity?

- Lalitha, II B.Sc. Zoology

Ans. Parents and teachers have to work together in providing moral education to the children so that our national heritage is preserved. This can be done through weekly class on ?elevating the minds?.

8. In India the Northern region is flooded and the Southern region is affected by drought. Is linking of rivers a solution for water crisis in India ?

- K. Gayathri, II Year, 03

COM 012

Ans. Linking of river basin is one of the solution. Recently there is a thought on creating layered wells for flood prevention and storage of water which can be used during the dry season.

Conclusion

In conclusion I would like to administer a ten point oath to you.

TEN POINT OATH

1. I will pursue my education or the work with dedication and I will excel in it.

2. From now onwards, I will teach at least 10 persons to read and write those who cannot read and write.

3. I will plant at least 10 saplings and shall ensure their growth through constant care.

4. I will visit rural and urban areas and permanently wean away at least 5 persons from addiction and gambling.

5. I will constantly endeavor to remove the pain of my suffering brethren.

6. I will not support any religious, caste or language differentiation.

7. I will be honest and endeavour to make a corruption free society.

8. I will work for becoming an enlightened citizen and make my family righteous.

9. I will always be a friend of the mentally and physically challenged and will work hard to make them feel normal, like the rest of us.

10. I will proudly celebrate the success of my country and my people.