New Delhi: The Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has called for bridging the urban-rural divide and said that Centre and State Governments must accord highest priority for the development of villages and rural areas by creating all the basic amenities.
Addressing the students of Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), in Nuzvid, Andhra Pradesh, he cautioned that it was not good to have two Indias – one comprising developed urban cities and the other backward rural areas. We must remove the Urban-Rural divide, he added. Pointing out that people were migrating to cities for education, enhanced medical facilities and economic activities, he said that the facilities available in urban cities must be provided in rural areas also.
Complimenting the university for imparting high quality technical education to meritorious rural youth, he said education w the main instrument for socio-economic transformation of nation and lays foundation for building a knowledge society. It is important in today’s world for education system to produce holistic individuals, who are committed to strong ethical and moral values, he added.
Naidu said that education means the process by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, and intellect is sharpened, as a result of which one can stand on one’s own feet. True education equips the youth to contribute to the material progress of the country, he added.
Expressing his concern that the present education system was merely producing students with degree certificates rather than individuals with critical analytical skills and innovative thinking, the Vice President said that institutions of higher learning such as RGKUT must prepare a large group of skilled and capable workforce who can drive the economy of the nation and help the nation to deal effectively with various challenges such as agrarian distress, rapid urbanization, growing energy demand, climate change, global warming, urban-rural divide and economic disparities.
Observing that today’s world was dependent on the competitive use of knowledge and innovation, he urged the students of technology to strive for coming up with practical, low cost solutions to the problems faced by the society. “Our technocrats need to find indigenous solutions rather than look up to alien concepts and practices. As you all are aware, the sole purpose of Science and Technology is to make the lives of people better, the Vice President added.
Naidu said that despite the advancement in technology and economic progress, a considerable section of our citizenry was still lacking access to essential resources. He advised the students to rise to the occasion and provide solutions to most pressing problems such as ensuring potable drinking water to every household, eliminating malnutrition and making healthcare affordable and accessible.
Saying every institution must become a centre of excellence in providing cutting edge knowledge, Naidu said that they should become the focal points in the quest for developing India into an innovation and manufacturing hub. Cautioning the students against lifestyle disorders, he urged them to practice Yoga and meditation for ensuring unity of mind and body.
