Lucknow, Aug 29 (PTI) Education that merely provides a degree without developing character has little value and is incomplete, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.
Addressing the 11th convocation ceremony of the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University here, Singh said achievements become meaningful only when they are rooted in values.
“When education only gives a degree but does not develop character, such education has no value, it is incomplete,” the member of Parliament from Lucknow said.
He urged students to cultivate a broad mind and avoid jealousy, saying a person’s happiness and fulfilment increase with the broadening of his outlook.
“A pure mind belongs to one whose mind is broad. A person with a narrow mind can never have a pure mind,” he said.
Recalling former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s words, Singh said, “No one becomes great with a small mind, and no one can stand with a broken spirit.” He also referred to the struggles faced by B R Ambedkar and said the social reformer chose education rather than violence or blaming his fate, despite facing discrimination.
“Dr Ambedkar was not allowed to drink water from the tap from which all the children drank. Despite suffering so much injustice, instead of cursing his fate or choosing the path of violence, he chose the path of education and returned to India to inspire people to bring about change,” he said.
Singh said the world today is amazed by India’s success and its space capabilities, and the transformation has not happened because of “any miracle”, but is a result of the hard work and dedication of young people, scientists and engineers.
The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said the journey to success often passes through four stages — “people first ignore you, then laugh at you, oppose you and finally, praise your success”.
He urged students not to be discouraged by people who may ignore, ridicule or create obstacles for them and instead, to move forward with confidence.
“I assure you that no power in the world can stop you from succeeding,” he said.
The defence minister said the quality, accessibility and affordability of education have improved in the country over the last 12 years, while the research-and-development infrastructure has also expanded.
He said young Indians are winning medals at physics, mathematics and biology Olympiads, setting up startups and developing technologies, such as hydrogen trains and drones, while the number of registered patents in the country has increased manifold. India, which previously had little presence in the startup ecosystem, is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem now, he said.
Economic strength makes a country prosperous but cultural confidence makes it great, Singh said, adding that India’s cultural values have led it to spread the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
He said India’s standing on the global stage has also changed. “Earlier, when India spoke, the world did not listen, but today, when India speaks at international forums, the entire world listens carefully to what it has to say. Today, we are not merely followers of rules, we make the rules,” Singh said.
The defence minister said universities are centres of personality development and expectations are even greater when an institution bears Ambedkar’s name.
“Skill and knowledge, along with values and sensitivity, are essential. Knowledge is incomplete without values and personality is incomplete without sensitivity,” he said.
Quoting Ambedkar, he said, “Character is even more important than education. If there is no humility in one’s nature and no morality in one’s character, an educated person is more dangerous than a violent animal.” Singh advised the students to remain humble.
Referring to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s words, he said a zero has no significance by itself, but gains value when placed after a number.
He urged young people to dream big not only for themselves but also for the country and become employment generators rather than merely employment seekers.
Singh said life should be treated as a long journey, requiring dedication and discipline.
“The journey of life is long and should be taken like a spiritual discipline. The bigger the mind, the greater the happiness and joy,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, vice-chancellor of the university Professor Raj Kumar Mittal and several other dignitaries attended the ceremony. PTI AR CDN RC
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