Text of the Vice-President Address at the Cotton University, Guwahati


This is a great place, this institution has made several contributions through its alumni in various works of life, politics being one of them. The state of Assam has got eight Chief Ministers from this place, one of the Shining Stars is here. So much is the political reach of this place that one of your students became Chief Minister of one of the northeastern states-Nagaland.

It is an occasion for me which is very forthright, very farsighted and he unfolded for me what has to be done in educational institutions. He was talking like a statesman.

Friends, you are descending minds. You will share the future of Bharat. You will decide what Bharath will be in 2047 when it celebrates the centenary of his independence, his focus on education is remarkable. It exemplifies his commitment to authentic development of the nation.

I have no doubt that education is the most impactful, lasting transformational mechanism to change society. To even out inequalities, to combat inequalities if we manage to have quality education, other things will fall in place. I fully agree and endorse and appeal to everyone to follow it. Educational institutions are not required to do usual work. They have to be crucial to change and change comes when you engage in innovation, research, development, and think out of the box. I have no doubt his reference to Nalanda and Takshila. We are on our way to becoming one.

I would appeal to the honorable Chief Minister, that this Cotton University and his predecessor cotton college have alumni spread all over. Please have Bi-Annual Meetings of Alumni. Call upon the alumni to give back to the society through the college and there will be a geometric dimension to your growth.

Friends, you have been blessed by Maa Kamakhya, she inspires us and motivates us to have women empowerment. On 21st September of this year, there was an epochal development in the country. A development that will shape our destiny for the better. Parliament passed a Women Reservation Bill. Thanks to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that justice has been done to half of the population of this country by providing for reservation in Parliament and State Legislatures. Congratulations to everyone. This is a matter of joy not only for women, but also for men because they will get quality assistance, quality leadership in togetherness and we will shape the destiny of this country. ‘