India’s Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu today expressed the need for rewriting history textbooks with an Indian perspective in order to instill a sense of pride about India’s glorious cultural heritage among the younger generation.
Addressing the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of an Educational Institution in Andhra Pradesh today, the Vice President reminded the students that India was once known as a “Vishwa Guru” and told them to stick to their roots and protect and preserve India’s culture and tradition.
Need to re-establish Ourselves
Emphasizing the need to re-establish ourselves, he urged everyone to strive hard to develop India into a powerful India that is free from hunger, corruption and there should be no discrimination against anybody.
“Everything cannot be left to the Government alone, rather, individuals, industry, philanthropists, and civil society – all must come together to bring about the desired change,” he said.
Stressing the need for value-based education, the Vice President said that education should be treated as a mission for the promotion of the nation.
Role of Teacher in Indian Tradition
Highlighting the role of ‘Guru’ in Indian tradition, he asked the students to always remember the contribution of their teachers in their lives.
Talking about ethics in politics, Shri Naidu urged the people to select and elect their representatives on the basis of 4Cs – Character, Calibre, Conduct, and Capacity to strengthen democracy, and discourage other 4Cs—caste, cash, community, and criminality.
Importance of Mother Tongue
Praising NEP-2020 for its focus on education in the mother tongue, the Vice President opined that one must learn as many languages as possible, but primacy should be given to building a strong foundation in the mother tongue first.
He further underscored the need to transform teaching methodologies to make universities thriving hubs of knowledge and innovation and appealed to all states and educational institutions to implement NEP-2020 in letter and spirit.
Success Mantra for Students
Sharing his success mantra with students, Shri Naidu emphasized the need for dedication, perseverance, hard work, discipline, self-belief, and a strong will to achieve excellence and reach one’s goal.
“Please remember that be it studies or sports, a champion is not made in a day,” he added.
The Vice President urged educational institutions to give equal importance to studies, sports, co-curricular and recreational activities. He wanted the young students to inculcate the spirit of service in line with the age-old Indian philosophy of sharing and caring.
Recalling the contribution of Sri Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy, the distinguished educationist and the then Vice-Chancellor, Andhra University, the Vice President said that people will forever remain grateful to him for his work in furthering the cause of education in Andhra Pradesh.
He also lauded Sir CR Reddy for his efforts to ensure education to all sections of the society and urged the youth to take inspiration from his life and build an India that will be free from every type of discrimination.
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