The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Uttar Pradesh from November 30 to December 1, 2019.
On November 30, 2019, the President will inaugurate a conference on recent advancements in computer, communication and information technology at PSIT College of Higher Education, Kanpur. On the same day, he will also attend the first alumni meet of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur and a felicitation programme being organised by the Kanpur Nagar Nigam.
*****
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of eminent statesman and former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone.
“Condolences on the demise of eminent statesman and former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone. We will always remember his pathbreaking visit to India, which was the first by a Japanese PM after a gap of 23 years.
Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone’s contribution to the enrichment of our bilateral relations is valuable. He will be remembered as an architect of the contemporary India Japan friendship”, the Prime Minister said.
Narendra Modi✔@narendramodi
Condolences on the demise of eminent statesman and former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone.
We will always remember his pathbreaking visit to India, which was the first by a Japanese PM after a gap of 23 years.
Narendra Modi✔@narendramodi
Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone’s contribution to the enrichment of our bilateral relations is valuable.
He will be remembered as an architect of the contemporary India Japan friendship.
***
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today advised media to provide more coverage to the substantive work being done by the parliament rather than only focusing on sensational remarks or disruptive behavior by some members.
Presenting the first ‘TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism’ to veteran political journalist Shri Vinod Sharma, Shri Naidu called the press as the extension of parliament as it holds the elected representatives accountable to the people whom they represent.
The Vice President called the parliamentary committees as a beautiful system within our parliamentary system. All members discuss and debate there constructively as there is no media glare, he said.
However, Shri Naidu expressed concern that the Chairman of the several parliamentary standing committees now complain of only one third of the members attending the meetings on an average. This is a worrying trend, he said. He also said that he is planning to write to all political parties regarding this.
The Vice President called the role of a parliamentary journalist of critical importance, as people form their opinions based on the information provided by the press. With this information, they analyze and evaluate the performance of their elected representatives and the government.
Therefore, VP urged the media to not color news with views and stressed the need to maintain objectivity, fairness and accuracy in reporting. “Impartiality and objectivity of press is of supreme importance for a democracy to survive and flourish”, he said.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, who described journalism as ‘service’, Shri Naidu expressed concern over politicians and business groups setting up newspapers and TV channels. “This erodes the credibility and core values of journalism”, he observed.
He also called upon media bodies to come up with some sort of self regulation to ensure that credibility and reliability of press remains steadfast.
Highlighting that press fought hard for its freedom, the Vice President called for using this freedom judiciously. He also drew media’s attention towards its responsibility to provide people correct information and educate them on their rights.
Further, Shri Naidu appealed to media to demystify parliament’s procedures and work, insisting that “people should be able to understand parliament’s functioning in easy and friendly language”. This will inspire them to become active stakeholders in the political processes, he opined.
Talking about the growing volume of parliamentary data, the Vice President felt a need to invest more in creating infrastructure, tools, capacity and skills for ‘data smart’ journalists.
“A good data journalist can help the citizens better understand the institution of parliament”, he said, adding that this may also improve the output of MPs as they would become more aware of their performance.
Shri Naidu also advocated for unhindered access to the important information generated by parliament on a day to day basis in a user friendly format.
Calling the people’s ‘right to know’ as a vital component for an informed society, Shri Naidu called for a good working relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists. If their relationship becomes too adversarial or too close, it would undermine the public’s ‘right to know’, he added.
Talking about the impact of social media on the institution of parliament and parliamentarians, VP said that it enables MPs to reach their constituencies directly and is also a good medium for obtaining public feedback.
However, he also cautioned the parliamentarians to be aware of social media’s potential to spread fake news and misinformation. In this regard, he called for the creation of a system of checks and balances to curb the possible misuse of social media by anti social elements.
In this regard, Shri Naidu said that Rajya Sabha will form an informal group of MPs to discuss various challenges posed by social media, such as the spread of pornographic content.
He expressed worry that this trend on social media is misleading the children and posing the biggest challenge to Indian values by devaluing our age old family system.
Appreciating the initiative by Prof. K.V. Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust to institute an award to honour late Shri T.V.R. Shenoy, Vice President said that Shri Shenoy was an illustrious journalist and editor who served the public cause through his writings for five decades.
I also congratulate Shri Vinod Sharma, Political Bureau Chief, Hindustan Times on being conferred first TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism.
Shri A.K Antony, former Defence Minister, Prof. K.V. Thomas, Chairman, Trust, Dr. Omcheri NN Pillai, Chairman of Jury and Smt. Sarojam, wife of late Shri TVR Shenoy were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Following is the full text of the speech –
“Dear Shri A.K Antony Ji, former Defence Minister
Priof. K.V. Thomas, Chairman, Trust,
Shri Vinod Sharma, Political Chief of Bureau, Hindustan Times
Dr. Omcheri NN Pillai, Chairman of Jury
Mrs. TVR Shenoy
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am very happy to be among you on this special occasion of presenting the TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism.
Friends,
Shri T.V.R. Shenoy was an illustrious journalist and editor who served the public cause through his writings for five decades. A reporter par excellence, he wrote extensively on issues ranging from politics, economy to international affairs and wars.
In early nineties, his investigative journalism led to the expose of several banking and stock market scams including the Harshad Mehta scam.
Shri Shenoy was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2003 for his services to the nation.
I appreciate the initiative by Prof. K.V. Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust to honour late Shri Shenoy by instituting an award in his name.
I also congratulate Shri Vinod Sharma, Political Bureau Chief, Hindustan Times on being conferred first TVR Shenoy Award for Excellence in Parliamentary Journalism. Shri Sharma is a very familiar face to me as he has been reporting on the parliament for more than 25 years.
Dear friends,
The importance of a parliamentary journalist can not be overemphasized in a parliamentary democracy.
Our parliament debates and discusses various issues of national importance everyday.
It is a place where major policy decisions are taken.
It is the place where governments form and collapse.
It is the source of valuable political ideas and points of view.
And the people as important stakeholders in democratic process have a right to know how parliament is functioning, what it is discussing and debating.
They want to know what their elected representatives are saying or doing.
A parliamentary reporter has crucial responsibility of reporting all of this to the public.
People form their opinions based on this information provided by the press. With this information, they make up their minds whether or not to support a candidate in next election …. They analyze and evaluate the performance of their government.
That is why the role of a parliamentary journalist assumes critical importance in the way he decides which issues to publicise or what angle to give to a new story. His work and orientation plays an important role in scrutinizing the functioning of the parliament, government and the oppostion.
That is why press is often called as the extension of parliament. It holds the elected representatives accountable to the people whom they represent.
Therefore impartiality and objectivity of press is of supreme importance for a democracy to survive and flourish.
Friends,
Time and again, I have urged the media to not color news with views and stressed the need to maintain objectivity, fairness and accuracy. The neutrality and sanctity of newsrooms should be upheld at all times.
Our Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who was an eminent journalist is his own right had said that, –
“I realized that the sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy. If the control is from without, it proves more poisonous than want of control. It can be profitable only when exercised from within.”
But today we see even many politicians and business groups setting up newspapers and TV channels. With these mediums under their control, the reporting can become distorted. This erodes the credibility and core values of journalism.
Therefore, I feel that media bodies need to come up with some sort of self regulation to ensure that credibility and reliability of press remains steadfast.
Friends,
The cardinal principle of journalism is to present fair, objective, accurate and balanced information to the reader and viewer without journalists assuming the role of the gatekeepers. This is particularly true while reporting on a political controversy. Rather than opining which argument is the strongest, a good political reporter should lays out all the arguments and facts without bias, and let the people take a decision on the relative merits of the arguments.
Dear friends,
Press fought hard for its freedom and this freedom should be used judiciously. Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees to the citizen, the right to “Freedom of speech and expression”. With regard to parliamentary privileges also, press has full protection as long as reporting is true, without malice and for public good.
However, freedom and responsibility cannot be considered as inseparable. There can not be unfettered freedom without any responsibility.
The media has the onerous responsibility to not only provide unadulterated and correct information, but also educate the people on their rights as well.
Friends,
When it comes to reporting on the parliament, media has one more special responsibility.
It should uncode and demystify parliamentary proceedings and procedures to the larger public. People should be able to understand parliament’s functioning in easy and friendly language.
I appreciate that many news organizations are already doing good work in this direction, specially while reporting the budget, but more needs to be done.
Many parliamentarians do a lot of research and put forth their views in the parliament. This should be covered more extensively rather than only some sensational remarks or disruptive behavior.
This will enable a deeper understanding of the functioning of Indian parliamentary system among the masses inspiring them to become active stakeholders in the political processes shaping the destiny of their lives and the nation.
I suggest that similar efforts need to be made with respect to the growing volume of the parliamentary data.
Friends,
Recently, I saw a new story titled as ‘Rajya Sabha records 90% productivity in first week of winter session’.
This is the power of data.
A good data journalist can help the citizens better understand the institution of parliament. The members of parliament may also become more aware of their performance. The output may improve as a consequence.
Therefore, I feel that there is a need to invest in creating infrastructure, tools, capacity and skills for ‘data smart’ journalists.
At the same time, there should be unhindered access to the important information generated by parliament on a day to day basis in a user friendly format. This would help masses in gaining better understanding of the functioning of Parliament, participation of MPs and various legislative proposals under consideration.
Dear friends,
For a democracy to thrive, it is desirable that there should be a good working relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists.
The media on one hand, communicates parliamentary activities to the citizens, and on the other it also provides valuable feedback on public opinions.
Thus media creates a two-way flow of information which is vital for the healthy functioning of democracy and good governance.
Dear friends,
If this relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists becomes too adversarial or too close, it would undermine the public’s ‘right to know’.
And this ‘right to know’ is a vital component in our quest for an informed society and informed democracy.
This is important for empowerment of our citizens.
But at times it is observed that adjournments and commotion tend to make news rather than substantive debates on important issues.
Therefore, I would urge my friends in media to not focus on sensationalism and ‘bite journalism’ and impartially report the multiplicity of views expressed by Members in the parliament.
Friends,
In the end, I come to the impact of latest technological developments – such as social media – on the institution of parliament and parliamentarians.
It is true that social media has enabled parliamentarians to reach their constituencies directly, bypassing journalists. Social media also provides a good medium for obtaining public feedback.
But, the parliamentarians have to be aware of the pitfalls of the social media which has tremendous scope to spread fake news and misinformation. We need to create a system of checks and balances to curb the possible misuse of social media by anti social elements.
Dear friends,
In the end, I once again congratulate Shri Vinod Sharma for the prestigious award.
Wishing you all the best.
Jai Hind!”
*****
Election Commission of India vide Press Note no. ECI/PN/102/2019 dated 1st November, 2019 announced the 5-phase schedule of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Jharkhand, 2019. The First Phase of election took place in 13 Assembly Constituencies covering 6 districts (Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga and Gumla)on 30.11.2019.
Despite the fact that all these ACs fell in the most naxal affected districts the poll today went off peacefully, barring few minor incidents, with very enthusiastic participation of voters including PWDs, senior citizens, youth etc.
The facts and figures of the 1st phase election is indicated as below-
| Particulars | |
| Male voters | 19,81,694 |
| Female voters | 18,01,356 |
| TOTAL | 37,83,050 |
| Service electors | 9,973 |
| Postal Ballot issued through ETPBS | 9,973 |
| Male Candidates | 174 |
| Female Candidates | 15 |
| Total Candidates | 189 |
| Polling stations | 4,892 |
| Polling station locations | 3,591 |
| General Observers | 13 |
| Expenditure Observers | 07 |
| Police Observers | 06 |
| Micro observers | 548 |
| Polling Personnel | 20,000 (approx.) |
| PwD Voters | 49,007 |
| Web Casting | 1,262 |
| All Women managed PS | 121 |
| Model PS | 417 |
Special Initiatives :
Electoral Literacy Awareness & ChunavPathshala in all 4892 booths of first phase was initiated. General voter awareness &PwD voter awareness programmes were ensured by State Icons, through LED Van, Cinema hall, T.V Channels etc. Radio Jingles were broadcast through Akashvani etc.EVM/VVPAT awareness programme was done in all polling stations. Election related messages circulated through Print Media, Electronic Media & Social Media viz Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Instagram etc.Voter mobilization events like races, competitions, plays, women centric events, youth voter festival was done in every assembly constituencies.
Extensive mapping was done to facilitate 49,007PwDs to caste their vote comfortably. 7106 Volunteers facilitated bringing PwD voters from their houses to the polling stations. 1108 vehicles were deployed to facilitate their transport. 2952 wheelchairs were provided at the Polling Stations. 136 EVM familiarization camps were organized exclusively for PwDs.
Online Suvidha Application is being used during Legislative Assembly Election 2019 for giving permission to political parties for holding meetings, rally etc. For entire State till now Total8,242applications were received and were disposed off on time, with 4,073applications for Phase1.
Specially made backpacks for carrying VVPATs were provided to polling officials who had to track on foot.
The Commission put in place an elaborate mechanism to curb the misuse of money power. The following measures were undertaken to prevent distribution of cash/liquor and freebies in order to induce the voters:-
Total Seizure of Cash, Liquor, Drugs/Narcotics, Precious Metals, Freebies etc.
|
Items |
Seizure in Phase-I
|
Total Seizure in entire Jharkhand upto 30.11.2019 |
| Total Cash seizure | Rs. 1.56 Crore
(Released 0.01 Crore) |
Rs. 6.39 Crore
(Released 0.58 Crore) |
| Total Liquor seizure | Rs. 15.2 lakh
(17,735 litres) |
Worth Rs. 1.30 Crore
(1.18 Lakh litres liquor) |
| Drugs/Narcotics seizure | Worth Rs. 0.11 Crore
(11.15 Kg) |
Worth Rs. 0.62 Crore
(693.889 Kg) |
| Other items/Freebies | Worth Rs. 0.71 Crore | Worth Rs. 2.88 Crore |
| Value of Total Seizures | Rs. 3.9 Crore | Rs. 11.19 Crore |
At the time of release of the Press Note, the voting in some of the Polling Stations was still going on. The final Voting Turnout will be known after the verification and scrutiny of Presiding Officers’ Diaries and other documents.As of reports received till 5pm the approximate voter turnout figure for all the 13 ACs of 1st phase went on poll today(and comparative figures with the last Legislative Assembly Elections held in 2014) is as under:
| for 1st Phase
|
Legislative Assembly Elections 2014
Polling Percentage in 13 ACs |
Legislative Assembly Elections 2019
ApproximatePolling Percentage |
| Total | 63.43 % | 64.12 |
*****
Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Taro Kono, Minister of Defense of Japan, who are paying a visit to India to attend the inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2), called on Prime Minister today.
The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting Ministers and expressed his satisfaction at the two sides being able to accomplish this goal set by Prime Minister and Prime Minister Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018. The Prime Minister mentioned that the meeting will further deepen bilateral strategic, security and defence cooperation between India and Japan.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of all-round development in India-Japan relations for the benefit of the two peoples, as well as the region and the world. The Prime Minister mentioned that regular high-level exchanges between the two countries are testimony to the depth and strength of the relationship.
The Prime Minister mentioned that both he and Prime Minister Abe attach great importance to strengthening bilateral partnership between the two countries. He conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abe to India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month. Prime Minister added that India’s relationship with Japan was a key component of our vision for Indo-Pacific for peace, stability and prosperity of the region, as well as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy.
*********
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several decisions taken during the last 6 months have empowered the lives of 130 crore Indians. He said inspired by the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ and with the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the Government has continued working towards developing India and empowering the lives of 130 crore Indians with renewed vigour.
He said during the last six months, Government has taken numerous decisions that have furthered development, accelerated social empowerment and enhanced India’s unity. He also said, “We aspire to do even more in the times to come, so that we create a prosperous and progressive New India.”
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today suggested that Union government should encourage states to research upon and compile the history of local heroes of freedom struggle from across the country. He also emphasized on publishing this history in local languages so as to reach the maximum people.
Speaking at an event organised in the remembrance of Shaheed Raja Vijay Singh and his brave men at the village Kunja Bahadur in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand today, Shri Naidu recalled the heroic story of the people of Kunja Bahadur who rose against the British with their king Vijay Singh.
The Britishers had occupied a significant portion of India by the year 1824 when King Vijay Singh declared freedom. He gathered an army of one thousand men from nearby areas such as Garhwal, Kumaon, Bijnor, Saharanpur and Meerut and stopped paying taxes to the British. He eliminated all symbols of British occupation from the area.
The British in turn attacked the fort of Kunja Bahadur. Around 40 Britishers were killed in the fierce battle that ensued and hundreds of Gurjar soldiers were martyred. The British inflicted innumerable atrocities over the people. They hanged hundreds of people from a single tree. The bodies of Raja Vijay Singh and his brave general Kalyan Singh were mutilated and displayed in front of Dehradun prison.
The Vice President said that Raja Vijay Singh and his men made supreme sacrifice for the cause of freedom in 1824, three decades before the first war for independence in 1857, but it is an irony that the stories like Kunja Bahadurpur remain ignored in our history. “Our history is incomplete without the bravery of these heroes ’’, he said.
Mentioning the names of legendary warriors from Uttarakhand such as Ram Pyari Gurjar, Rani Karnawati, Shahmal Singh Tomar and teenage warrior Shivdevi Tomar, Shri Naidu said that our history has been witness to many a struggle wherein people rose against the invaders under the leadership of local heroes to defend their freedom, honour, culture and property.
“But these resistances hardly find any mention in our history”, said Shri Naidu adding that “we need to rectify this mistake”.
He also stressed the need to make such stories mandatory part of our school syllabus so that the new generation can draw inspiration from them.
The Vice President also called for developing a nationalistic approach to our history and research new sources for it. History does not belong to just the rulers, rather it belongs to the people and communities as well, he said emphasizing the need to study local cultural, literary and social history.
Shri Naidu said that heroic stories of local communities are transmitted from generation to generation by oral tradition and form an inseparable part of their being. “Local educational institutions, civil society organizations and media should do serious research on these oral traditions of history telling and to make the whole country aware of them”, he added.
Saying that our history is indebted to the great sacrifices made by our ancestors such as Raja Vijay Singh and his general Shaheed Kalyan Singh, he appealed to the younger generation to respect and follow their ideals.
Talking about the 70th Constitution Day celebrated earlier this week, the Vice President also called for equal respect for Fundamental Duties along with the Fundamental Rights. He reminded the people of fundamental duty ‘to strive towards excellence in all spheres and said that country’s progress depends on each one of us excelling in our respective fields.
He also urged people to spread awareness about fundamental duties in their community, educational institution and professional circles. This will be true tribute to our brave ancestors who sacrificed their everything so that we could breath in a free India, he said.
Putting national integrity above everything else, the Vice President appealed to all citizens to rise above cast, creed, religion and region and to work together for the progress of country. On the occasion, he also appreciated the unity displayed by all communities after the Ayodhya verdict by the Supreme Court of India.
During the occasion, the Vice President was also presented a book detailing the freedom struggle of Kunja Village against.
The Governor of Uttarakhand, Smt. Baby Rani Maurya, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Chief Minister, Uttarkahand, Shri Ramesh Pokhariyal ‘Nishank’, Union HRD Minister, Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of Education, Govt. of Uttarakhand, Shri Karmveer, President, Shaheed Raja Vijay Singh Smarak & Kanya Shiksha Prasar Samiti, Shri Dharampal Singh, Secretary of the Samiti and peoples representatives from the area were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.
Following is the full text of Vice President’s speech
“माननीय राज्यपाल, श्रीमती बेबी रानी मौर्य जी
माननीय मुख्यमंत्री, श्री त्रिवेन्द्र सिंह रावत जी
माननीय मानव संसाधन विकास मंत्री, भारत सरकार डॉ. रमेश पोखरियाल “निशंक” जी
माननीय पर्यटन एवं संस्कृति मंत्री, भारत सरकार, श्री प्रहलाद पटेल जी
माननीय कैबिनेट मंत्री, उत्तराखंड सरकार, श्री सतपाल महाराज जी
माननीय कैबिनेट मंत्री, उत्तराखंड सरकार, श्री मदन कौशिक जी
माननीय राज्य मंत्री, स्वतंत्र प्रभार, श्री धन सिंह रावत जी
लोक सभा, राज्य विधान सभा के माननीय सदस्यगण
सम्मानित आचार्य श्री बाल कृष्ण जी
मीडिया के मित्रों,
सम्मानित अतिथिगण
भाईयों और बहनों,
राजा विजय सिंह स्मारक कन्या प्रसार समिति द्वारा कुंजा बहादुरपुर के नागरिको के शौर्य और वीरता की स्मृति में आयोजित इस कार्यक्रम में आप सबके बीच उपस्थित होकर स्वयं को धन्य मानता हूँ।
1824 में यह स्थान एक समृद्ध गांव था। यहां के राजा विजय सिंह जी की रियासत सहारनपुर तथा मेरठ तक फैली थी। वीर कल्याण सिंह उनके सेनापति थे।
1857 के पहले स्वतंत्रता संग्राम से भी तीन दशक पहले, 1824 तक जब अंग्रेजों ने भारत के एक बड़े भाग पर अधिकार कर लिया तब राजा विजय सिंह के नेतृत्व में रियासत वीर के नागरिकों ने विद्रोह कर दिया और आजादी की घोषणा कर दी।
उन्होंने आसपास के क्षेत्रों गढ़वाल, कुमाऊं, बिजनौर, सहारनपुर, मेरठ से 1000 लोगों को संगठित कर सेना तैयार की और माल गुजारी देना बंद कर दिया, ब्रिटिश सत्ता के चिन्हों को मिटा दिया, क्रांतिकारियों को जेल से मुक्त करने के लिए संघर्ष किया, तहसील खजाने पर कब्जा करना प्रारंभ कर दिया।
उन्होंने ब्रिटिश खजाने को लूटा। परिणामस्वरुप अंग्रेजों ने कुंजा बहादुर पुर किले पर आक्रमण कर दिया। भीषण युद्ध में लगभग 40 ब्रिटिश सैनिक मारे गये, सैकड़ों वीर गुर्जर सैनिकों ने बलिदान दिया।
किले पर कब्जा कर, अंग्रेजों ने क्रूर कत्लेआम मचाया, सैकड़ों लोगों को एक ही वृक्ष से लटका कर फांसी दे दी गई। राजा विजय सिंह को और उनके वीर सेनापति कल्याण सिंह के मृत शरीर को देहरादून जेल के सामने प्रदर्शित कर उनके शरीर का अपमान किया गया।
मित्रों,
आज जो हमें मानवाधिकारों का पाठ पढ़ा रहे है, उनका इतिहास क्रूर अत्याचारों से भरा पड़ा है।
मित्रों,
यह विडंबना है कि हमारे इतिहास में कुंजा बहादुर पुर और इस जैसी अनेक शौर्य गाथाओं को भुला दिया गया। इन वीरों के शौर्य के बिना हमारा इतिहास अधूरा है। हमारा इतिहास बोध सीमित है।
देश के इतिहास में ऐसे अनेक संघर्ष हुए, जिनमें स्थानीय जनता ने स्थानीय नायक के नेतृत्व में आततायी आक्रांताओं से अपनी आजादी, अपनी अस्मिता, संस्कृति और संपत्ति को बचाया। दिल्ली के निकटवर्ती क्षेत्रों में ऐसे अनेक विद्रोह हुए जिनमें स्थानीय लोगों ने आक्रांताओं से लोहा लिया।
इसी क्षेत्र की वीरांगना राम पियारी गूजर ने 40000 महिलाओं के साथ 14वीं सदी के आततायी आक्रमणकारी तैमूर लंग को खदेड़ा।
17वीं सदी में गढ़वाल की रानी कर्नावती जिन्होंने मुगल सेना को परास्त किया।
1857 के स्वतंत्रता संग्राम में बड़ौत के शाहमल सिंह तोमर, जिन्होंने अंग्रेजों के विरूद्ध आजादी की घोषणा कर दी और वहीं की किशोरी वीरांगना शिवदेवी तोमर जिसने अंग्रेजों को बड़ौत से खदेड़ दिया।
उत्तराखंड का तो इतिहास ही वीरता, आध्यात्म, संस्कृति और शौर्य का पर्याय रहा है। आज भी इस क्षेत्र के युवा देश की सेनाओं में अपने शौर्य का योगदान दे रहे हैं।
इसी प्रकार देश के सभी भागों में स्थानीय स्तर पर आक्रमणकारियों के विरुद्ध विरोध और विद्रोह होते रहे जिनका हमारे ही इतिहास में कोई जिक्र नहीं मिलता।
मित्रों,
यह आवश्यक है कि अपने इतिहास की इस कमी को हम पूरा करें। इतिहास सिर्फ सत्ता का ही नहीं होता, इतिहास स्थानीय समुदायों और समाज का होता है। उनका सांस्कृतिक, साहित्यिक, सामाजिक इतिहास भी उतना ही आवश्यक है। स्थानीय समुदायों की शौर्य गाथाएं उनके संस्कारों का अभिन्न हिस्सा है। किंवदतियों का भाग है जो पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी प्रचारित होती जाती है।
मैं आग्रह करूंगा कि स्थानीय शिक्षण संस्थाएं, स्वयं सेवी संस्थाएं और मीडिया इन वीरगाथाओं पर और गहन शोध करें। मौखिक परंपराओं और स्रोतों को खोजें। स्थानीय मीडिया इस शौर्य परंपरा से देश को परिचित कराये।
मित्रों,
यह जरूरी है कि स्वाधीनता के लिये इन संघर्षों को देश के इतिहास में समुचित स्थान मिले, वे हमारे पाठ्यक्रम का भाग बनें। तभी हमें अपने इतिहास का एक समग्र राष्ट्रवादी गौरवशाली स्वरूप देखने को मिलेगा।
आवश्यकता है कि हम अपने इतिहास के प्रति राष्ट्रवादी दृष्टि विकसित करें। अपने इतिहास के नये स्रोत खोजें। इतिहास को राष्ट्रवादी संदर्भ में प्रांसगिक बनाये।
मित्रों,
हमारी आजादी इन महान बलिदानों की विरासत है। हम पर उनकी आशाओं, अपेक्षाओं का ऋण है। हम अपने राष्ट्र के प्रति समर्पित रहें। उन आदर्शों का सम्मान करें, जो राजा विजय सिंह, शहीद कल्याण सिंह जैसे हमारे पूर्वजों ने स्थापित किये। नागरिक के रूप में यही हमारा कर्तव्य है।
मित्रों,
इस सप्ताह के शुरू में देश ने संविधान दिवस के अवसर पर अपने संवैधानिक संकल्पों तथा नागरिक कर्तव्यों को याद किया।
साथियों, इस देश के नागरिक के रूप में आपको संवैधानिक अधिकार प्राप्त हैं। साथ ही जिस उद्देश्य, आदर्शों और संकल्प के साथ, “हम भारत के नागरिकों” ने अपने संविधान को स्वीकार किया था, उनको पूरा करने के लिये मौलिक कर्तव्य भी उतने ही आवश्यक हैं-
स्वाधीनता आंदोलन के आदर्शों, राष्ट्रीय प्रतीकों का सम्मान; देश की एकता, अखंडता और सार्वभौमिकता का संरक्षण; देश की सेवा, सुरक्षा के लिये समर्पण; देश की भाषाई, सांस्कृतिक और क्षेत्रीय विविधता से ऊपर उठ कर सामाजिक सहिष्णुता और सौहार्द बनाना; महिलाओं को सम्मान देना; अपनी सांस्कृतिक और प्राकृतिक विरासत और संसाधनों का संरक्षण; सार्वजनिक संपत्ति की रक्षा तथा हिंसा का त्याग; बच्चों और किशोरों को शिक्षित करना; जीवन में वैज्ञानिक, मानवीय दृष्टिकोण रखना तथा हर क्षेत्र में उत्कृष्टता प्राप्त करना-
हर देश अपने नागरिकों से यही अपेक्षा करता है। आपकी उत्कृष्टता में ही देश की उन्नति का मूलमंत्र निहित है।
आज कुंजा बहादुर पुर के वीरों की पुण्य स्मृति में आयोजित इस अवसर पर नागरिक के रूप में अपने मौलिक कर्तव्यों का निर्वाह करने का संकल्प लें तथा इन मौलिक कर्तव्यों के बारें में अपने समुदाय, शिक्षण संस्थाओं, व्यावसायिक संघों में जागृति फैलायें। हमारे वीर पूर्वजों की पुण्य स्मृति में यही सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि होगी।
आज आपने मुझे इस समारोह में आमंत्रित कर के कुंजा बहादुर पुर के वीरों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करने का सौभाग्य दिया। स्वयं को धन्य मानते हुए आपका आभार व्यक्त करता हूँ।
जय हिन्द।
*****
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today said that education must not only foster scientific spirit and entrepreneurial endeavour in students but also create in them a thirst to innovate.
Addressing the 17th Convocation of University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun today, Shri Naidu called for imparting Entrepreneurial Education in our technical institutions so that a larger number of our graduates do not end up as mere job seekers but possess the confidence and the skills to create businesses, jobs and wealth.
The Vice President said that the world is increasingly turning its attention to India today because of its steady pace of growth which is much faster than most major economies of the world. He added that India also has the advantage of an enormous youth population, with 50% of its population below 25 years of age.
He opined that if this demographic dividend is to be realized and leveraged for inclusive and sustainable growth and development, our youth must be equipped with domain focused education, skills and expertise.
Expressing concerns about the employability of our young graduates, Shri Naidu urged universities and the industry to join hands to groom students to be future-ready professionals.
Observing that routine jobs are now being replaced by Artificial Intelligence and Automation, the Vice President asked educational institutions to be quick on their feet to adapt and evolve. He emphasized that universities must train students to perform tasks that machines simply cannot.
He advised educational institutions to abandon the rote learning methodology and focus more on assimilation of diverse information, problem solving, decision making and analysis. “Design thinking principles should be introduced in schools along with digital skills”, he added.
Observing that the 4th Industrial Revolution is on the horizon and he urged educational institutions to prepare for it by acquiring knowledge and skills to make the big leap forward.
Stressing that India needs to India needs to rethink the entire education system, Shri Naidu cautioned that if we don’t innovate, we stand the risk of falling behind.
Referring to the exalted status of ‘Vishwaguru’ that India enjoyed in the past, he called on Indian universities to strive hard to make India a hub for global learning, once again. He asked Indian universities to aim be among the top 100 institutions in the world.
Highlighting the plethora of initiatives of the government such as NISHTA, ARPIT and DHRUV, the Vice President cautioned that government working in isolation will not succeed in creating a world-class education system. “Each one of our institutions, both public and private, must work in tandem with the government”, he said
Opining that it is not sufficient that we produce graduates who are academically proficient, Shri Naidu said that students must develop not only cognitive skills, but also social and emotional ‘soft’ skills, including cultural awareness and empathy, perseverance and grit, teamwork and leadership, among others.
The Vice President said that culturally, India has been, and continues to be, a cradle of great diversity in all walks of life and added that these rich legacies to world heritage must not only be nurtured and preserved but also enriched.
He urged Universities to strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice and promote research in a big way by networking with industries, R&D labs within India and abroad.
Stressing that India’s strength is in its young people who will play a key role in transforming India into a major economic and technological power, he asked them to remember their social responsibility and to give back to the people of India the fruits of technological advancements.
The Governor of Uttarakhand, Smt. Baby Rani Maurya, Chief Minister, Uttarkahand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Minister of Education, Govt. of Uttarakhand, Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Chancellor of UPES, Dr. S.J. Chopra and Vice Chancellor of the university, Dr. Deependra Kumar Jha were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.
Following is full text of speech –
“My dear students,
I am delighted to be here with all of you this afternoon to share your moment of pride and glory as you graduate from the portals of this great institution.
I extend my heartiest congratulations to each and every one of you on earning these coveted degrees, after several years of toil and hard work. You are truly worthy of the honors and accolades that are being bestowed upon you today.
I also congratulate the proud parents whose children are graduating today. Congratulations are also due to the teaching fraternity for carefully and devotedly nurturing the future of our country in its schools, colleges and universities.
I must also take this opportunity to complement the founders of this University for their vision and pioneering initiative that took the form of this institution, 16 years ago, in 2003. I understand that 15000 plus alumni of UPES are already working in more than 700 national and international companies.
I am happy to know that UPES has two campuses of its own that houses 06 schools. It is truly noteworthy that over 11,000 regular students are pursuing their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in 90 specialized programs that are being run across these schools.
I commend the University for providing industry focused education in high growth sectors of Oil and Gas, Power, Infrastructure, Information Technology, Aviation, Shipping, Automotive, Electronics and International Business.
I am also told that several companies visit the campus annually to recruit students and I am quite pleased to learn that right from the first graduating batch, campus placements of eligible students have witnessed a rising trend.
I was also pleased to learn that in UPES students from all the disciplines go for Industry or Corporate Internships.
It is truly heartening that UPES runs an “Industry Attachment” module for the faculty, named “ABHIGYAAT”. The contemporary industry perspectives are thus brought into the classrooms.
I also commend the institution for having footprints in the 05 continents through MOU’s with nearly 60+ Universities and Institutions.
I am particularly enthused to note that UPES is closely working with “NITI AAYOG” on several projects and is also focusing on Incubation / Entrepreneurship and Start-Ups.
Let me once again congratulate each and every one of you on this momentous occasion.
My dear sisters and brothers,
Today, the world is increasingly turning its attention to India. It is growing at a steady pace, much faster than most major economies of the world. It has an enormous youth population, with 50% of its population below 25 years of age.
We have a potential demographic dividend that is waiting to be realized.
But if this demographic dividend is to be realized and leveraged for inclusive and sustainable growth and development, our youth must be equipped with domain focused education, skills and expertise.
A number of employment reports point out that in the recent times, there has been a fall in employability among young people. We must not fail to comprehend that we live in a world that is evolving and undergoing transformation at an unprecedented rate.
Technological advancement has been the defining factor for determining the pace of progress.
No institution can insulate itself from the unpredictability of technological progression and disruption. The success of institutions is not about what we do in the next few years, but it is our ability to create future-ready professionals.
India needs to rethink the entire education system. We must innovate or stand the risk of falling behind.
Our educational institutions must be quick on their feet to anticipate future trends as well as adapt, evolve and respond to disruptions.
We must abandon rote learning and focus more on assimilation of diverse information, problem solving, decision making and analysis.
Design thinking principles should be introduced in schools along with digital skills.
Students need to be made aware of what is expected in the real life environment and should be guided and mentored.
The 4th Industrial Revolution is on the horizon and I urge our educational institutions to prepare for it by acquiring knowledge and skills to make the big leap forward.
Today we have more than 900 universities across the length and breadth of the country. But none figure in the top 200 universities in the world. Merely adding more and more universities is not enough. Numbers are important, but quality is more important.
To start with, our universities must aim to be among the top 100 institutions in the world, making India a sought-after hub for global learning.
The Government of India is implementing a number of initiatives to improve the quality of education in India, including teacher training programs like NISHTA and ARPIT, the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Scheme, DHRUV and the declaration of 20 institutions as Institutions of Eminence (IoE).
But the government working in isolation will not succeed in creating a world-class education system.
Each one of our institutions, both public and private, must work in tandem with the government.
They need to adopt a systematic approach by comprehensively reorienting the teaching methods, research strategies and setting high academic standards on par with global institutions.
It is not sufficient that we produce graduates who are academically proficient.
Students must develop not only cognitive skills, but also social and emotional skills, also referred to as ‘soft skills’, including cultural awareness and empathy, perseverance and grit, teamwork and leadership, among others.
Education is the foundation for the progress of humanity. Education is not merely for employment, but education is meant to empower, impart wisdom and knowledge, and develop a holistic individual with qualities of head and heart.
India has had a long and illustrious history of holistic education. The aim of education in ancient India was not just the acquisition of knowledge but also of wisdom.
India was the renowned ‘Vishwaguru’, home to illustrious universities of Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila. The ancient Indian education system had produced brilliant scholars like Charaka and Susruta, Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Chanakya, Patanjali and numerous others. They made seminal contributions to the collective knowledge of the world in diverse fields.
Swami Vivekananda once said that “Education is not the amount of information that we put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas.”
Culturally, India has been, and continues to be, a cradle of great diversity in all walks of life, with its myriad languages and dialects, classical dance and music forms, many well-developed traditions of folk arts, exquisite architecture, incredible cuisines, fabulous textiles of all kinds and much more.
These rich contributions to world heritage must not only be nurtured and preserved for posterity, but also enriched.
We should integrate this rich tradition with modern education to help develop creativity and originality of students, and to encourage them to innovate.
My dear sisters and brothers,
Apart from promoting entrepreneurial spirit, education must instill and nurture scientific spirit and the thirst to innovate, among youngsters.
Our universities must strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice and promote research in a big way.
Our universities and institutions must network with industries, R&D labs within India and abroad.
We must also impart Entrepreneurial Education in our technical institutions so that a larger number of our graduates do not end up as mere job seekers but possess the confidence and the skills to create businesses, jobs and wealth.
My dear students,
India’s strength is in its young people and you hold the key in transforming India into a major economic and technological power.
I sincerely hope that each one of you will remember your social responsibility – a commitment to give back to the people of India the fruits of technological advancements.
I once again extend my hearty congratulations to all the students who are receiving their degrees today. Good Luck to each one of you in your exciting journey in building a more prosperous, equitable, safer and cleaner India and the world.
My best wishes would be with all of you as you embark on this exciting world of almost unlimited possibilities.
Thank You!
Jai Hind!”
****
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the conference on recent advancements in computer, communication and information technology at PSIT College of Higher Education, Kanpur today (November 30, 2019).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that technology has been a prime mover of social change. India’s journey from a poor nation at the time of independence to one of the fastest and biggest economies in the world has come about in part thanks to technology. As we aim to become a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024-25, we again look forward to technology playing its role. Apart from giving us the economic might, new forms of knowledge have bettered the lives of people on the margins of society. Moreover, advances in information and communication technology have been a great equaliser in all walks of life.
The President said that technology, however, is just an instrument. Be it fire or electricity, it is a great servant but a bad master. When we deliberate on the latest technological advancements, we should keep foremost in mind the implications for the humanity. Kanpur has an excellent example of using technology for humanity. Over the decades, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) has helped countless persons with disabilities by manufacturing rehabilitation aids, with focus on continuous technology upgradation.
Later in the day, the President graced and addressed the first alumni meet of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that last month he had launched the Endowment Fund of IIT Delhi, created in collaboration with the alumni of the institute. While launching the Fund, the President said, he was thinking that all educational institutions should establish such Funds. These Funds can be used to provide scholarships to poor and meritorious students, develop the infrastructure of the institution and to raise advanced technology and resources for the institution. The President urged alumni of the Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University to take this initiative forward in this university as well. The President contributed rupees 1,11,000 to the Fund and requested others to cooperate in this work.
Later in the evening, the President will attend a felicitation programme being organised by the Kanpur Nagar Nigam.
*******
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you,
Jai Hind!
****
Smt. Soma Roy Burman, a 1986-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) Officer, took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts here today.
Smt. Burman is the 24th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and is the seventh woman to hold this coveted position.
The Government of India appointed Smt. Burman, as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure with effect from December 1, 2019.
Smt. Burman holds the degree of M.Phil in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Delhi.
During her 33-year long career, she has held cadre positions at different levels in Ministries such as Home Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Industry, Finance, Human Resource Development and Shipping, Road Transport & Highways. She has headed the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) as the Chief Controller (Pension) and the Institute of Government Accounts and Finance (INGAF), New Delhi, as Director.
She has also handled important portfolios while on Central deputation to the Government of India, where she served as Deputy Secretary/Director in the Department of Economic Affairs (Budget Division) and as Joint Secretary and Financial Adviser, NATGRID, Ministry of Home Affairs. She has also held charge as Director in the office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on deputation.
Prior to assuming the charge of CGA, Smt. Burman served as Additional Controller General of Accounts in the office of CGA handling the critical areas of Accounting Rules, Policy and reforms, Financial Reporting, Data Analytics, Cash and Budget Management. Smt. Burman has been actively involved in the formulation of wide ranging reforms in these areas for strengthening Public Financial Management in the Union Government.
****
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted BSF personnel and their families on BSF’s Raising Day.
Prime Minister said, “Greetings to all BSF personnel and their families on BSF’s Raising Day. This force has been diligently protecting our borders. During natural disasters and crisis situations, BSF personnel have always worked hard to serve our citizens. Best wishes to the BSF family!”
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the people of Nagaland on their Statehood day.
Prime Minister said, “Best wishes to my sisters and brothers of Nagaland on their Statehood Day. This state is known for its great culture. The people of Nagaland are compassionate and courageous. May Nagaland scale new heights of progress in the coming years.”
Eduindex News 