'India should become Vishwaguru once again,' says VP Venkaiah Naidu

Addressing the third annual convocation of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Monday, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu pointed out that India was once known as Vishwaguru and said that the time has come for India to once again emerge as a global hub of learning. VP Naidu while addressing the gathering at JNU said, "India was once known as Vishwaguru with the world's best centres of learning like Takshashila, Pushpagiri and Nalanda attracting scores of knowledge-seekers from different corners of the globe."

'Time for India to once again emerge as a global hub of learning'

"The time has come for India to once again emerge as a global hub of learning. For this to happen, our universities and institutions of higher learning have to reorient their methods of teaching and focus more sharply on research," he added. The Vice President observed that the Indian civilization always laid emphasis on a holistic integrated vision of education. Urging universities like JNU to build on their strengths and raise the bar, he said all-round excellence and the ability to lead the global agendas must be our aim.

VP Naidu's views on providing education in the mother tongue

Urging the institutions of higher learning to learn from the best institutions in the world and adapt the best practices, he said, "We have, as a civilization, been one of the most receptive societies that have welcomed good ideas from across the world". Pointing out that India was on a unique growth trajectory, he said the students have "limitless opportunities" to contribute towards this endeavour. The Vice President also emphasized the need to provide education up till 10th standard in the mother tongue. "We should give extra incentive to children who undergo their initial schooling in their mother tongues", he said.

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Massive JNU protest

Hundreds of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students on Monday, protested near the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) where Vice President Venkaiah Naidu was addressing the university’s third convocation. For more than ten days, JNU students have been protesting against the new draft hostel manual which was approved by the Inter Hostel Management (IHA) committee, on 4 November. The JNU Students’ Union alleges the new manual has regressive provisions for curfew timings, dress code and fee hikes.

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(With ANI inputs)