Educational institutes polish inner talents: Prez Kovind

Nagpur: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday asserted that Educational institutes were not just places of learning, but they polished inner and sometimes even hidden talents in students. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of new campus of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nagpur at MIHAN here, the President said, “The curriculum gives us the occasion to introspect within ourselves the purpose and ambition and hence, fulfill our dreams.” He further said that this institute with a permanent campus will not only be the academic training ground, but it will be a life-moulding experience for the students. As per the President, “We are living in an era, where innovation and entrepreneurship are appreciated and encouraged. The stories of various unicorns or start-ups, which have been slated to be worth more than one billion, have scripted a new history. “It has opened new avenues as new sectors are coming under the loop of business enterprises. From food delivery to picking up odd things, all are provided by start-ups and app-based services. “Hitherto unexplored territories like education and health have also become part of these new enterprises. Such forays can be the game changer for our country. It can be a combination of job provider and revenue earner for our people,” he observed. Kovind said that both innovation and entrepreneurship have the ability to not just ease lives through technology, but can also provide employment opportunities to many people. “The eco-system at IIM, Nagpur will promote among the students the mindset of becoming job-creators, instead of being job-seekers,” said the President. “It is a true tribute to the land of Savitribai Phule and Anandibai Joshi, who were the first few stalwarts in the field of education and medicine,” he added. The land of Maharashtra has always been a vibrant social, economic and political centre. It was here that the seeds of social revolution of Ambedkar were sowed, he said. This Institute is blessed to be in the land of Nagpur as it is famous for being the place chosen by Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution for his Deeksha-sthal, the president said in his address. “Nagpur is famous for Zero milestone and hence, often considered to be at the center of India. It is also in close vicinity of Sevagram Ashram, which was home to Mahatma Gandhi and the place from where much of our freedom struggle was carried forward.” “Be it political, religious or cultural, the ethnic fabric of the state of Maharashtra has always been rich. This new campus of IIM, Nagpur is the cradle for our young minds who would be soon stepping out in the world of new opportunities and accomplishments. As we live in an interconnected world, you will soon be globe-trotters as professionals,” he said. However, in this pursuit, never forget the spirit and ethics of our country. You would be the emissaries of Indian culture and wisdom around the world and your performance would be the standard set for the entire country, the President added. “Our traditions have always emphasised upon sharing, especially in the field of knowledge. Hence, it is our duty to share the knowledge which we have gathered. Knowledge sharing leads to greater growth of knowledge itself,” he said. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Dharmendra Pradhan, Maharashtra Industry Minister Subhash Desai, Nagpur Guardian Minister Nitin Raut and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.