By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/SAMBALPUR: Gangadhar Meher University is a unique laboratory of social vision. This university is not just an educational institution that awards degrees; it is a center where students learn the values and skills to walk with people from all sections of society and serve the society. Member of Parliament and former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed this while attending the 5th convocation of Gangadhar Meher University on Monday.
In his speech, Shri Pradhan said that the journey of this institution from Gangadhar Meher College to the University is very glorious. This University has produced many renowned personalities. The main purpose of the convocation ceremony is not to remain confined to one’s own family, but to take responsibility for the society and bring glory to the country and the nation. With time, the old changes and GMU is written in its rules to grow as a university with the strength of its convocation social vision.
Highlighting the historical importance of Sambalpur and the surrounding area, Shri Pradhan said that evidence of the Stone Age is being found in this land. Gangadhar Meher University, under its leadership, is unveiling evidence of a 2000-year-old ancient civilization and Buddhist worship system related to the emergence of Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava at Asurgarh, Bargarh, which is a great specialty of this institution.
He further said that once upon a time we used to get knowledge from gurus, but in today’s changing era, internet, AI and chatbots are giving knowledge. In such a time, a degree alone is not enough; real skill comes only when knowledge is combined with skill. The ‘Center of Excellence in Public Policy’ being established at GMU will conduct policy research on the future needs of our region, state, country and human society in the coming days.
Shri Pradhan said that mental health, employment and values have become a major issue worldwide today. Thinking about the poor and the disadvantaged in the society is the goal of a true student. Shri Pradhan expressed his strong belief that the students who are receiving degrees and medals today will take this region to new heights of economic, social, technological and spiritual development through their sense of responsibility.
The Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati and the Minister of Higher Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, Suryavanshi Suraj attended the function. On this occasion, he congratulated all the young talents who have obtained graduation, post-graduation and other degrees and gold medals and wished them well for their new journey in life.
