Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, attended the 48th Convocation of Tribhuvan University, Nepal, as the Chief Guest and inspired Nepalese students to contribute in making Nepal Self-Reliant. The programme was chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Sher Bahadur Deuba. The Hon’ble Prime Minister and TU authorities praised V-C Prof. Tiwari for delivering a thought-provoking address and inspiring youngsters in Nepal to be the ambassadors of “Vocal for Local” and help Nepal become free from all sorts of social evils. More than 20,000 citizens of Nepal physically attended Prof. Tiwari’s address at Tribhuvan University’s 48th Convocation held on Friday at the playground of TU Pulchowk Campus in Lalitpur, Nepal.
Prof. Tiwari delivered the convocation address in the august presence of Shri Sher Bahadur Deuba, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal and Chancellor of TU; Shri Devendra Poudel, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Nepal; Prof. Dharma Kanta Baskota, Vice-Chancellor, Tribhuvan University, Nepal; and TU authorities.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tiwari started his address by conveying Sat Sri Akaal from the sacred land of Punjab. He congratulated the students who are graduating in the 48th Convocation Ceremony of the Tribhuvan University, Nepal, one of the world’s largest universities that imparts education in practically all domains of knowledge. He stated that the ancient Indic Civilization and Vedic Sages have always taught us that true knowledge liberates man and that only the truth triumphs. Our Sanatani Sanskriti and thought process towards nature have guided us to follow the path of dharma & karma, live in harmony with nature, contribute to the welfare of humane civilization and embrace a greener lifestyle so that the human race does not suffer from an existential crisis. Therefore, we need to revive our sanatani mindset and act as doers to work for the all-round development of Nepal.
During his address, Prof. Tiwari underlined that 21st century education should focus on imparting Gurukul’s way of teaching, where gurus guide shishyas to perfect their instrument of learning. There is need to provide wider opportunities for learning through ICT-enabled teaching, learning and assessment. He applauded the efforts of Nepal in promoting Sanskrit and underlined that NEP2020’s transformative reforms could pave the way for imparting education for meeting the needs of 21st century learners.
On this occasion, Prof. Tiwari highlighted that Nepal is considered to be the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, who received enlightenment in India, and also the birthplace of Janaknandini Sita. He said that Adi Shankaracharya is credited with setting the tradition that priests from the Bhat-Brahmin family of Karnataka chosen by Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri for performing puja of the main deity according to Sattvic and Vedic traditions. Nepalese revere Baba Vishwanath as they do Bhagwan Pashupatinath, and vice-versa. Prof. Tiwari further opined that as Ayodhya is incomplete without Janakpur and Bodhgaya is incomplete without Lumbini, Nepal and India are incomplete without each other.
He stated that India and Nepal share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterised by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contact. As India assumes the Presidency of the G20, it is a golden opportunity for Nepal and India to put their efforts together to resolve the burning issues that the world is confronted with through their shared world views and value systems. He concluded his lecture by conveying his best wishes to young graduates and inspiring them to always consider ‘Nature’ and ‘Nation’ first in their lives.
Towards the end, Prof. (Dr.) Baskota Ji, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of TU and officials of TU Nepal thanked Prof. Tiwari for gracing this occasion as the chief guest and delivering a motivational address to students of Nepal. TU students, their parents and TU employees attended this ceremony.
