Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has criticised the recent Gen Z protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, saying the conduct and language witnessed during the demonstration were “not in line with our values” and brought embarrassment to society.
Addressing the 48th convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi on Tuesday, she said India’s civilisational values of truth, non-violence, compassion, service, duty and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ were the foundation of nation-building.
“Whatever happened at Jantar Mantar in the past few days and the kind of language that was used made the entire society bow its head in shame. Culture shapes values, and what was seen there is not in keeping with our traditions,” Patel said.
Calling young people the future leaders of the country, she urged students not to lose direction or fall prey to “false temptations”. Instead, she said, they should use their talent and intellect for nation-building.
The Governor also stressed the importance of cultural education, saying daughters should study texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana to imbibe values and moral character.
Patel’s remarks come while BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also criticised the language used by some protesters at Jantar Mantar, describing that as “gutter-level”.
During her address, the Governor also spoke about the importance of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, saying universities should initiate discussions to help students better understand its significance.
Patel also reviewed campus facilities and raised concerns over infrastructure and lack of amenities for students in the university.
She questioned the absence of Wi-Fi and washing machines in the university, sought explanations for the closure of hostel mess facilities and referred to similar complaints she had received at King George’s Medical University(KGMU) regarding the quality of hostel food when she attended the convocation there earlier this month.
She said she had already directed authorities to establish separate modern kitchens to ensure students receive hygienic meals without having to cook for themselves. The Governor also called for stronger hostel security, improved sanitation, functional libraries, repairs to non-operational solar lighting, and the replacement of expired fire safety equipment.
Giving the university administration a one-month deadline, Patel asked officials to complete the necessary improvements and ensure better living conditions for students.
Also Read: Political backlash as UP’s KGMU bans non-veg after Governor Anandiben Patel flags hostel hygiene
Past controversial statements
The governor has previously attracted attention for her remarks on education, governance and public issues.
At the convocation of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) in Kanpur earlier this month, Patel said women should strive to become “expert mothers” before aspiring to become IAS officers or teachers, stressing family values, parental responsibility and character-building.
Addressing students, the governor said professional success should not come at the cost of family responsibilities. She urged young women to continue their education and careers after marriage while contributing to the well-being of their families and society.
“Whether you become an IAS officer or a teacher, first become an expert mother. Everyone should know how to cook the food prepared at home,” she said.
Earlier while addressing the convocation ceremony of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow on 7 July, Patel made another set of remarks that also triggered controversy.
“Sometimes boys and girls elope.. then some become pregnant.. no one accepts the child… who are the child’s parents? The government,” she said. “This is all your doing… don’t engage in such things.”
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Then your values are not in line with the constitution of the country. Your government could not conduct 100s of exams in last decade properly and so many students future was destroyed. So that brings glory to the country? It’s governors like this who are bringing shame to the country.
It’s unfair to paint the whole of Gen Z in negative light because of the crass actions and foul-mouthed language of a select few.
The ones who indulged in perversions and depravities were certainly not the ones inconvenienced by repeated paper leaks. Neither were the foul mouthed ones NEET candidates.