In real life abilities matter more than marks: Governor Anandiben Patel
Lucknow: The 8th convocation ceremony of Banda Agriculture and Technology University was held under the chairmanship of State Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel. Addressing the ceremony on this occasion, the Governor extended best wishes for a bright future to all the students who received the degrees. While congratulating the meritorious students who got the medal in the Convocation this year, the Governor also encouraged those students who were deprived of getting the medal by just a few marks. She said that these students should not underestimate their abilities, because going back and forth by a few marks will not affect their future life. She expected the fresh graduates to use the knowledge and skills acquired from this premier educational institution for the benefit of the country and society.
In his address, while referring to the arid land of Bundelkhand, the Governor said that if agriculture is given a scientific framework here, there will be a massive change in production on a certain scale. In order to promote agricultural education, various research works in the university, contact with various institutions and determination of work priorities, road map of agricultural development and organization of workshops, breed enhancement research in animal husbandry and development of Bundelkhand region by entering into agreements with various institutions continues.
She appreciated the promotion of works like research and teaching on climate, natural resources, water conservation, forests and wildlife. She described Bundelkhand as an area of immense possibilities for agriculture.
In this sequence, while discussing the rapid changes coming in various fields globally, problems of agriculture, excessive exploitation of natural resources, the Governor emphasized on developing capabilities to face these problems. She said that the university should prepare an action plan to deal with the challenges, so that it can be recognized at the global level.
Discussing the promotion of natural farming, the Governor said that the cost in this is almost zero and the need for irrigation is also less. She said that in this farming beneficial for small farmers, the farmer can take many crops in a year. Straw is also put to good use in this. Referring to the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets, she said that these regions preserve the history of millets. The land and climate here are favorable for coarse grains. The income of the farmers here will also increase by introducing coarse cereals to foreign countries.
The Governor also discussed the use of drone technology in agriculture and its benefits. Describing the depleting ground water as a matter of concern, Rajyapal ji expressed happiness over the development of fourteen water conservation irrigation structures by the university for water harvesting. He also discussed the importance of “Per Drop More Crop” scheme in less water under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
Discussing the contribution of women in agriculture, the Governor emphasized on empowering rural women and developing various means of their economic earning. She also added the glory of Republic Day on January 26, 2023 in the program and said that this festival reminds us of our national duties and responsibilities every year. Giving information about the meetings of G-20 countries in India, she said that these meetings are based on the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” for the welfare of humanity. Its meetings are also being organized from December 01, 2022 to November 30, 2023 in four cities of Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow, Greater Noida. She encouraged the university to participate enthusiastically in this event.
In the function, the Governor provided bags of reading material and nutritional material to 15 students of Upper Primary School, Chahitara, area Badokhar Khurd, Banda and distributed Anganwadi kits to 20 Anganwadi workers. Chief Guest and Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra shared his experiences with the students and wished them all the best for the future.
A total of 206 students, including 159 undergraduate and 47 postgraduate students, were awarded degrees and 15 medals were awarded at the convocation ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Narendra Pratat Singh presented the progress report of the University. He informed that a total of 1190 students are studying in the university in this academic session, out of which the total number of students is 176. The Governor encouraged all the medal winners.
