Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said well-known freedom fighter “Mahamana” Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’s vision was to “create a university that would build a new India.
Addressing the South India Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Alumni Meet at the IICT Auditorium in Hyderabad, Sinha called on BHU alumni to reinforce this shared commitment for academic excellence and community building.
Conveying his greetings on the foundation day of the Banaras Hindu University, he said, “BHU has successfully fulfilled his (Malaviya’s) dream. It has not only preserved our core ideals, tradition and values, but also shaped the destiny of the country by transforming the entire education system.”
The Lt Governor observed that the BHU has nurtured the spirit of the freedom movement after its foundation in 1916 and played a key role in awakening consciousness among the people.
“In the post-Independence era, it became catalyst for socio-economic-industrial change and made an invaluable contribution towards building a strong nation,” he added.
“Mahamana’s ideals were based on three prime objectives - liberate India, rebuild industries for a developed India and prepare the youth with the best education system for a brighter future of the country - laid the foundation for modern and self-reliant India,” he said.
The Lt Governor said that the Mahamana had always maintained that India needs economic empowerment and cultural enlightenment, and that is why he ensured that the BHU be a confluence of knowledge, culture and patriotism.
“BHU will always be remembered as the breeding ground of revolutionary ideas that has guided India’s journey towards self-reliance,” Sinha said
Highlighting the BHU’s contribution in the nation’s progress as mentioned in the monograph prepared during the “Amrit Mahotsav”, the Lt Governor said, “The monograph had rightly observed that the students of BHU were not mere scholars; they were agents of change.”
The monograph said: “BHU has emerged as an important partner in India's economic development efforts. BHU became a breeding ground for revolutionary ideas, instilling a sense of patriotism and activism in its students, many of whom went on to become prominent figures in India's fight for freedom.”
“The BHU has not only focused on providing a world-class education to Indian women, but it has also defied the oppressive colonial regime by nurturing them to become future leaders, achievers, and thinkers.”
“The spirit of BHU, with its unwavering dedication to the nation, remains etched in the annals of anti-colonial history, forever igniting the flame of inspiration within future generations. It urges them to relentlessly strive for greatness and to uphold the cherished values of freedom, unity, and progress.”
Sinha also lauded the efforts of BHU’s distinguished alumni and human capital for their accomplishments and valuable contributions to path-breaking inventions and creating a vibrant ecosystem that has driven widespread social and economic changes across the world.
He also extended his hearty greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja.