Society Which Does Not Respect Women Cannot Move Forward, Says President

The President Of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee Attended The 3rd Annual Convocation Of Lovely Professional University Today (May 20, 2013) At Phagwara.

Speaking On The Occasion, The President Said A Society Which Does Not Respect Women Cannot Move Forward. Our Universities And Other Institutes Of Higher Learning Should Take The Lead In Resetting Our Moral Compass. They Should Start A Sustained Programme For Meeting The Contemporary Moral Challenges And Ensuring That Our Civilizational Values Of Love For Motherland; Performance Of Duty; Compassion For All; Tolerance For Pluralism; Respect For Women And Elderly; Truth And Honesty In Life; Discipline And Self-restraint In Conduct, And Responsibility In Action Are Inculcated Fully In The Young Minds.

The President Called Upon The Authorities, Students And Faculty Of The University To Play A Leading Role In Taking The University Into The Ranks Of The Best In The World. Pointing Out That The Ancient University Of Takshashila Was Located In Punjab, The President Expressed Disappointment That There Is No Indian University In The Top 200 Universities Of The World.

The President Said India Is In The Midst Of A Major Demographic Transition. Our Working Age Population Is Increasing By About 12 Million Annually. But Only 7 Per Cent Indians Of Working Age Receive Vocational Training. A Majority Receive Only Non-formal Training. We Must Expand Formal Vocational Training To Develop A Competent Workforce In Our Country.

The President Said ‘inspired Teachers’ Should Be Recognized And Encouraged To Share Their Knowledge, Wisdom And Philosophy With Larger Number Of Students. They Can Instill In Their Students Correct Values. The President Also Called Upon The Universities To Use Technology To Compensate For Shortage Of Teachers And Set Up E-class Rooms.

Degree Of Doctorate-honoris Causa Was Conferred On President Hamid Karzai Of Afghanistan During The Ceremony. Among The Dignitaries Present On The Occasion Were Shri Shivraj V. Patil, Governor Of Punjab And Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Of Punjab.

This Release Issued At 2100 Hrs