Varanasi, Feb 22 (HT): A youth was slapped at a function attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi on Monday after he shouted slogans demanding the revival of the students’ union at the Banaras Hindu University.

The students’ union at the university was dissolved in 1997 after large-scale violence and arson by students. After pressure, a students’ council was formed in 2007-08. Several students, however, are demanding a full-fledged union like other universities.

"The students here are suppressed and not allowed to raise their voice," Ashutosh Singh said after being slapped by an unidentified man in the audience.

The PM spoke at BHU’s convocation ceremony on Monday, giving away medals to meritorious students. He, however, declined to accept an honorary doctorate degree offered by the central university.

After finishing his speech at the convocation ceremony, the PM took to the mike again and sought forgiveness from the vice-chancellor and other educationists for not accepting their offer.

"I am sorry but I have politely declined this offer as I do not consider myself worthy of it. I am a happy man as long as I can keep away from all this. Being present in the BHU premises itself is a great honour to me," he added.

Modi also said that he was indebted to the people of Varanasi for having reposed faith in him and electing him as their representative in Parliament.

With inputs from agencies

Modi urges youth to take pride in India's culture 

Varanasi, Feb 22 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the youth to take pride in India's rich heritage and culture as they begin their journey in various careers.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here, Modi said yoga had existed through the ages but it was only when Indians owned it with great pride that the UN announced an International Yoga Day on June 21.

The prime minister urged scholars not to treat 'deekshant' ceremonies (convocation) as 'shikshant' (end of education) but rather as the start of a new phase of learning and development. 

Apart from spreading the good word about BHU through noble deeds, the graduating scholars should also try and give their best to the country and inspire others, Modi told the gathering. 

"You should have the motivation and the ability to realize your dreams. That's the real test," he said to applause. 

He said curiosity was the vital impulse to development and urged scholars to never allow the student in them to die. 

"One should have the ability to rough it out, on the basis of knowledge, even in face of adversities. Be assured that every such person will make it big," he said.

The prime minister reached Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, late on Sunday from Kolkata and spent the night at a guest house. 

At Monday's convocation, 11,620 degrees were distributed. 

The prime minister gave away medals to meritorious students. He was flanked by the chancellor of BHU, Karan Singh, and Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani.

The first convocation of BHU was held in 1919 when 32 degrees were given.