‘We must embrace Indianness in its entirety’, says Chakrawal

RAIPUR,CG: Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (a Central University) and coordinator of the workshop, Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, emphasized upon the necessity of embracing Indianness in its entirety

He was addressing the inaugural session of a one-day workshop organized on the topic of adhering to Indian traditions in convocations held in universities and institutions.

It was organised jointly by the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi, the Sanskriti Shiksha Uthan Nyas, New Delhi, and the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

Prof. Chakrawal emphasized that since education is a liberating force, there is a need to acquaint students with India's glorious and prestigious knowledge tradition. The efforts are being made to bring Indian attires in their entirety into convocation ceremonies. The convocation ceremony is a significant moment in a student's life. It is a responsibility to make it memorable.

Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary, Sanskriti Shiksha Uthan Nyas, New Delhi, said that the National Education Policy 2020 aims to build citizens who are inherently Indian in thought, intellect, and behavior. The explanation of the term ‘convocation’ is necessary because life derives its form from the meanings of words, their essence, and feelings.

Prof. T.G. Sitaram, President, All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi, stressed the necessity of Indian identity for unity and uniqueness during convocation ceremonies. The life of Lord Rama reinstates Indian tradition. “We must pay attention to arrangements while keeping the number of female students in mind. Indian traditions should also be incorporated into the educational process alongside Indianness and Indian identity during convocations,” he added.

Prof. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary-General, Association of Indian Universities, underlined upon the inclusion of Indian qualities in education. She said that not only during convocation ceremonies but also in daily life, Indianness needs to be incorporated.

Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice-President, AICTE, New Delhi, stated that convocation ceremonies should go beyond the protocol and be associated with traditions so that students can communicate cultural customs and exemplary behaviors in line with India's civilized values.