Vice-President lauds T.N. Governor at Vice-Chancellors’ meet

Dhankhar says Governor Ravi is vindicating his oath by organising such events, which are extremely relevant to the field of education; he emphasises national interest, calls for innovation in higher education 

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated a two-day conference for Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and private universities here on Friday.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr. Dhankhar lauded Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi stating that the Governor was only organising the conference due to his “constitutional ordainment”.

“He has taken an oath under the Indian Constitution under Article 159. The oath he has taken as Governor is to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law. By his oath, he is further enjoined to devote [himself] to the service and well-being of people of Tamil Nadu. By organising such events, which are extremely relevant to the field of education, Governor Ravi is vindicating his oath,” the Vice-President said in his speech as the chief guest.

A minute’s silence was observed at the event to remember the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. “Today I join the nation in expressing profound grief and outrage at the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed innocent lives. It is a grim reminder that terrorism is a global menace to be addressed by humanity in unison. Bharat is the world’s most peace-loving nation and our civilisational ethos reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” Mr. Dhankar said.

Mr. Dhankhar stressed the need to always keep national interest above all, and said it cannot be intertwined with partisan interest. “The nation’s rise cannot be handicapped by any situation internal or external. But we all have to bear in mind that national interest is supreme. This was echoed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar while imparting his final address to the Constituent Assembly.”

He further emphasised that the future of Indian higher education lies in moving beyond traditional silos.

“We are well past the era of standalone institutions. It can’t be just IIMs, IITs. A standalone era for institutions is already behind us. There is now need of convergence for various verticals to give institutions a cutting edge. Multi-disciplinary approach across academic pursuits is the only answer,” he said.

“Share your faculty talent virtually, technologically and otherwise also. That will have two-fold purpose. While giving it, you will be receiving also. The winds of innovation and change must have free passage in educational institutions. Evolve a mechanism. There must be tolerance for varying ideas. Intolerance to a thought defines democracy the wrong way,” he said.

Published - April 25, 2025 11:54 pm IST