Meerut (UP), Sep 22 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday asserted that ‘swadeshi’ and self-reliance must become the fundamental mantra for the people as India aims to take a leading role in every field.
“Today’s India stands at the threshold of a new era. This is an India that has reinvented itself through centuries of penance, struggle and sacrifice,” Patel said at the 37th convocation of the Chaudhary Charan Singh University here.
According to a UP Raj Bhavan statement, the governor also spoke about the GST reforms that have provided relief to the ordinary people and the “new cultural renaissance” in India.
“… Developed India, a self-reliant India, an indigenous India, an India enriched by environmental protection, and an India that provides global leadership in all fields — these are not mere goals, but aspirations of millions of Indians, propelling us toward a new future,” Patel said.
She stressed that ‘swadeshi’ and self-reliance must become the fundamental mantra for the people as India moves in this direction.
Patel said India is already playing a leading role in many fields. “We are moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. India is leading in the fields of defence, space, and innovation. At the centre of this transformative journey are our youth, who, through courage, innovation, and hard work, are giving the country a new identity,” she said.
She said India is not merely a nation bounded by geographical boundaries, but a confluence of ideas, ideals, and values that has the power to guide the world.
On the GST reforms that came into effect on Monday, the governor noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the GST system has been simplified and made more public-friendly.
Key rates in the tax system have been reduced. Reductions in taxes on essential commodities, construction materials and agricultural equipment have provided relief to ordinary citizens, she said.
The UP Governor emphasised the need to protect youths in the digital world and noted that a law to regulate online gaming was recently brought in to help young people avoid dangerous tendencies like gambling.
“Today India is witnessing a new cultural renaissance, from Kerala to Kashmir and from Somnath to Kamakhya. Meerut is also being given a special identity.
“This city holds unique significance not only historically but also mythologically. The plan to develop it as the Mahabharata region will reconnect this land with its true cultural glory,” she said.
Furthermore, efforts to develop and beautify the Pura Mahadev Temple will make it a unique centre of spirituality and tourism, the governor said.
The governor asked the university to take steps to be “drug-free and addiction-free”, and said that the prime minister has the greatest trust in youth.
Students have to lead not only the country but the world, and therefore, it is extremely important to stay away from addiction and drugs, she said.
To ensure a drug-free campus, hostels should be inspected, workshops should be conducted and students should be motivated. No outside goods should be brought on the campus without inspection, Patel said.
The university has received the highest grade of A+Plus in the NAAC assessment and has performed remarkably well in the National Institutional Ranking Framework-2025, she noted.
She also asked the university to establish smart classes in the five adopted villages and train teachers on how to properly use them. The governor said that the university should adopt a reform home and conduct research on why their inmates committed crimes.
“These children also have talent; it is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction,” she said.
The governor announced that the Raj Bhavan would also adopt a reform home and strive to guide their lives in the right direction.
“Every district should have such reform homes, where children can be steered away from negative tendencies and directed towards positive ones,” Patel said. PTI NAV RT
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