Emphasising the reformist legacy associated with its name, Governor and Chancellor of state universities Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Tuesday said Vinoba Bhave University must remain guided by the values of social justice, ethical conduct, and public service championed by Vinoba Bhave.
Addressing the university’s 10th convocation ceremony, the Governor said institutions named after great social reformers carried a special responsibility to translate those ideals into academic culture and public engagement. A convocation, he said, was not merely a ceremonial occasion for awarding degrees, but a recognition of years of discipline, perseverance, and learning, and a transition into a phase where education must be applied for the larger good of society and the nation.
Recalling the life and work of Vinoba Bhave, the Governor said Bhave had devoted himself to social reform and the Bhoodan movement, offering a model of selflessness and moral leadership. These values, he said, remained relevant and should be reflected in the conduct and professional lives of graduating students. Education, he added, was not meant only for earning a livelihood but for shaping sensitive, responsible, and duty-conscious citizens.
Linking higher education with national priorities, the Governor referred to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ and the goal of building an empowered and self-reliant India. He called upon students to contribute to these objectives with honesty, hard work, and ethical commitment. Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, he said the policy sought to make education more inclusive, value-based, and socially relevant, while preparing the younger generation to shoulder responsibilities along with opportunities.
Stressing the broader social role of educated youth, the Governor said the importance of education should not be confined to individual advancement. He observed that if every educated person took responsibility for the education of even one child, illiteracy could be addressed at the grassroots level. Education, he said, formed the foundation of a strong and equitable society.
The Governor also underlined the need to strengthen academic quality, research, and social engagement in state universities. Universities, he said, must function as centres of thought, character, and awareness rather than institutions focused only on awarding degrees. He laid emphasis on improving placement systems and making placement centres more effective in the interest of students.
Advising students on life beyond the campus, the Governor said identity was shaped not by degrees but by actions. Success and failure, he said, were natural parts of life, and lasting achievement came to those who learned from setbacks and moved forward with determination. He urged graduates to remain socially responsible, uphold human values, and contribute positively wherever they worked or lived.
Earlier, the Governor paid floral tributes to the statue of Vinoba Bhave on the university campus.