CM Yogi Adityanath lauds Lucknow University for setting example of ‘Vocal For Local’ in 100th year

LUCKNOW: Lauding Lucknow University for indigenously developing products during the pandemic, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said, universities need to align themselves with people’s problems, thereby motivating society to be ‘atmanirbahar’ (self-reliant) instead of being ‘pichlaggu’ (follower).
“This vision for centres of learning has been envisaged by the prime minister in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that calls for amalgamation of theory with practical application.It will enable students, besides earning degrees from university, to be self-dependent and become a pillar of society,” the CM said, after inaugurating LU’s centenary celebrations at Malviya Hall.
“The PM's vision in NEP has to be implemented in phases by 2022. If Lucknow University moves in consonance with the spirit enshrined in NEP, it will establish new parameters of progress in society,” he said.
He also said, LU set an example of ‘vocal for local’ and ‘atmanirbhar’ by manufacturing sanitisers and promised government support in its future endeavours. “Every institute has a chemistry laboratory. There is a simple formula to make a sanitizer. Then, why wait for the government? Solutions can be found for every problem faced by society,” he added. He also lauded LU’s contribution in the state’s higher education digital library.
He said the varsity should celebrate 100 years in a way that it is remembered for the next 100 years and assured support to make its centenary celebrations memorable and grand. “In its 100-year journey, LU has given a President, a chief justice, bureaucrats, politicians to strengthen democracy, academicians and entrepreneurs. The varsity should celebrate its glorious 100 years, but should also evaluate its shortcomings,” he said.
He said, all academic institutes should remember that not just teachers and students, but parents and former students have an equal role in development of an institute.
The CM also spoke about ‘One District-One Product' initiative to promote local products. Educational institutes can help in the endeavour by providing technical support, he said, adding Uttar Pradesh has the potential to lead the nation in the path of ‘atmanirbhar' and making it a $5 trillion economy.
He said several institutes have been established in universities, including some in LU to promote research and elaborated on welfare schemes started by the state and Central government such as Make in India, Start-up India, Stand-up India, Mudra, Vishwakarma Shram Samman and Mati Kala Board to boost employment.
Earlier, vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai in his welcome address said in its centennial year LU achieved many landmarks such as implementation of choice-based credit system, value-added courses, different research promotion schemes, new PhD and D.Litt ordinances that have been incorporated in the university system in accordance with New Education Policy.
Minister of state for education Nilima Katiyar was also present on the occasion. Vote of thanks was given by Prof Nishi Pandey, convenor of Centennial Celebration.