Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Nov 2: Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu said, "Mother tongue is like eye sight. It needs to be promoted and propagated, while rest of the languages are like spectacles.”
He was speaking here at the 17th annual convocation at National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, on Saturday, November 2.
He said, “NITK is celebrating its diamond jubilee year to commemorate 60 years of outstanding service in the field of technical education. NITK has carved a niche for itself amongst the technological institutions in the country. Through dedicated efforts of its management, staff and students, this institute enjoys the reputation of being a center of excellence for technical education, research and outreach activities.
“At this juncture, it is appropriate to acknowledge and pay homage to the founder of this institute late U Srinivas Mallya. There is huge potential for India to become a world leader in various technological domains given the demographic advantage and the presence of highly talented and educated youth. Youths need to reach their goal by working hard and developing innovative thinking. Youths need to face challenges and raise above all.
“The emphasis on digital technology has helped in effectively tackling corruption and transforming our governance by making it much more transparent. Today, digital payment has been introduced, direct benefit transfers needs to be strengthened and expanded to make common man’s life comfortable.
“Dakshina Kannada has beautiful art form Yakshagana which needs to be promoted. Tthis district has wonderful cuisine and this is its speciality. The rich legacy needs to be nurtured and preserved. Self-improvement and success goes hand in hand. Your personality and discipline matter the most than your looks. Protect nature and culture for better future. Neglecting nature causes disasters. Hence, nature needs to be preserved and protected.
“We should not forget our mother, native place, and mother tongue which needs to be promoted and propagated. We need to feel proud about our mother tongue. Mother tongue is like eye sight, while rest of the languages are like spectacles. We should not downgrade other languages as language and feelings goes hand in hand.
“We need to focus on our lifestyle. There is no physical fitness these days. Youths need to involve themselves in physical activities. Earlier, there was craft, gardening, and moral science classes. But today, science has remained and morals have vanished. Food habit is the source of communicable diseases. Promote homemade food,” he said.
“The abrogation of Article 370 was to bring unity and was an administrative action for unity, integrity and security,” said the Vice President.
As many as 1,545 graduands received their certificates. Forty students received gold medals in their respective streams.
Prof Umamaheshwar K, director, NITK, welcomed the gathering.
District in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary, and others were present.