Appealing to fresh graduates to play a prominent role in making India Viksit Bharat, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot stressed the need for educated youth to become creators of opportunities rather than mere job seekers.

In his presidential address at the 35th annual convocation of Kuvempu University, held at the university campus in Shankarghatta near Shivamogga on Wednesday, the Governor said the purpose of education would be fulfilled only when its benefits reached the last person in society. Graduates entering their professions after completing their studies should work towards ensuring that the purpose for which they acquired education was fulfilled.

He urged students to create opportunities through startup culture, innovation and entrepreneurship. “Students should aim to achieve new heights of success and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he stated. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Governor appealed to the youth to play a pivotal role in making the nation self-reliant and an economic superpower.

Chairperson of the National Educational Technology Forum and National Board of Accreditation, Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, stated that the country had achieved impressive growth in the field of innovation. In the global innovation index, the country jumped from 81st position to 38th in the last 10 years. Listing the reasons for this achievement, Prof. Sahasrabudhe said that the importance given to innovation at the school and college level — through the setting up of Atal Tinkering Labs and Idea Labs — played a major role in encouraging students to become innovators.

He expressed confidence that India had emerged as the fourth-largest economy in the world and would soon reach third position, replacing Germany. By 2047, on the occasion of the centenary of India’s independence, the country would become Viksit Bharat.

Appreciating the certificate courses in sustainability offered by Kuvempu University that benefit different sections of society, Mr. Sahasrabudhe expressed the wish that the university become a role model for sustainability.

Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar opined that State universities were struggling to stand on their feet. Besides offering quality education, conducting research was also a primary objective of the university. However, universities were not in a position to support research adequately. The Minister said his department was making efforts to improve skills among students and intended to develop 50 degree colleges as model colleges by upgrading labs and other infrastructure facilities.

The university conferred honorary doctorates on former legislator Konandur Lingappa, theatre personality K.V. Akshara and former Director of NAAC Prof. H.A. Ranganath on the occasion. Mr. Lingappa was absent due to health reasons.

Vice-chancellor Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy, registrar N. Hemanth, registrar (Evaluation) Prof. R. Thimmarayappa, syndicate members and deans of faculties were present on the occasion.