Boys and girls, esteemed guests, as we step into the fourth quarter of the century since the adoption of the Indian Constitution, it is crucial that we resolve to use every moment in our democratic system for the welfare of the people. The temple of democracy exists for the common good, and we must ensure that it remains untarnished by sacrilege.
I am confident that steps will be taken by those in positions of responsibility, particularly elected representatives, who are answerable to the electorate. It is essential that we set an example through decorum and discipline, not disruption.
Fifty years is a significant milestone. When this institution was founded, the concept of service was very different. The intention was to give back to society, and the motivation behind starting an educational institution was always noble. Profit or fiscal gain was the last thing on the minds of its founders. Over the years, we’ve seen a proliferation of educational institutions, but it’s concerning that, in many cases, the core commitment to education has been overshadowed by commerce.
Every time I speak with the Honorable Governor, we often reflect on whether we are truly focusing on the essence of the right to education. The right to education should ensure access to quality education for those who would otherwise be deprived of it. Special provisions were made to cater to the economically weaker sections of society, and I trust that this institution is fulfilling that responsibility.
We must nurture talent from rural areas and from segments of society that cannot afford quality education. I assure you, when this inclusivity is embraced in a school, it enriches the overall environment and creates a nurturing ecosystem.
I urge corporate leaders and businesses to consider education as a priority sector. Let their focus on establishing schools be driven by the desire to give back to society. Corporates have access to CSR funds that could be directed toward supporting educational institutions. By ensuring that quality education is accessible to all, especially the underprivileged, we are investing in the present and securing a brighter future for the nation. This will play a pivotal role in making India a great nation on the global stage.
All of you are requested to take a pledge today, Boys and Girls, that we should behave as per our age in the society and that it reflects Indian culture.
Cultivate a thirst for knowledge, show dedication towards your parents, respect your teachers, and be committed to discipline.
The excessive use of plastic, the addiction to mobile screens, and the diversion of attention away from physical activities and hands-on learning are issues we must confront. Time spent on screens may seem enticing, but remember, this phase of your life is irreplaceable. As society progresses, time once lost cannot be regained, so make the most of it while you can.
As Swami Vivekananda once reflected, “If the poor cannot come to education, education must reach them—at the plough, in the factory, and everywhere else.”
