Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)
Mangaluru, Nov 26: Assam and Nagaland governor P B Acharya on Thursday November 26 inaugurated 'Namaste' centre for study of north-eastern states at K S Hegde auditorium, Nitte University in Deralakatte.
Addressing the gathering, P B Acharya said that universities should not be centres of education alone. "It is necessary to establish a separate chair or research centre so that students coming from other states do not feel like outsiders."
He further said that travelling enables one to understand the rich culture of tribals from north east states. "North-east dance form does not mean Manipuri dance alone. There are 16 different cultures in Nagaland, and we need to understand that language is only a medium to identify them. In this connection, it is necessary to give due importance to the languages of rural areas. It can help students from other states to get over the feeling that they are away from their homes.
"Notions such as 'India is rich, Indians are poor’, 'India is the centre of knowledge but Indians are illiterate', are rooted in us. We need to work towards getting rid of them. Similarly a degree is only the beginning of a professional life. We should have knowledge to assess our knowledge. Our life should not be limited to only earning money.
"Our mistakes have changed the direction of our philosophy. We can see the names of rich Indians in the world only on the 8th or 10th places. Out of them only those born in Mumbai are in the list of rich Indians. Even though there are 1.25 crore people in Mumbai, how many of them are humane? This is the question we should dwell on. Being representatives of the society, everybody has the responsibility to do something for it. For this reason, all should be capable of creating jobs for others. If that happens there is no question of depending on the government," he said.
Nitte University chancellor N Vinay Hegde said that among the states in the north-east, Assam resembles Dakshina Kannada district as there is some similarity in culture, greenery and environment. Lauding P B Acharya, he said his selfless service has taken him to a greater heights.
"There were plans of opening a study centre on states of the north-east six months ago, but it did not work out as the government did not cooperate. Now that the state governor has assured of appointing a director, the centre has been opened," he said.
Dr S Ramananda Shetty welcomed. Student’s welfare director Dr Rajashekar compered the programme. Nitte University registrar Dr M S Moodithaya proposed vote of thanks. Kavitha P Acharya and Nitte University vice-chancellor Dr M Shantaram Shetty were present.