Advocate V.S. Sunil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture,
Shri Vellappalli Natesan, Manager, Sree Narayana Colleges,
Shri E.K. Thomas Master, President, Valappad Panchayat,
Smt. P. Vinu, President, Nattika Panchayat,
Shri V.P. Nandakumar, Alumnus of SN College,
Shri Unnikrishnan Thashnath, President, RDC, Thrissur,
Dr. Anitha Sankar C, Principal, S.N. College,
Respected Teachers, My beloved Students,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Madhyama Suhruthukkale,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy to inaugurate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Sree Narayana College, Nattika, which has played a significant role in the social and intellectual progress of this region during the last fifty years.
I would begin by sharing the joy of students, teachers and the alumni on the occasion of this institution celebrating its Golden Jubilee. I understand that the destiny of this institution has been shaped by the tireless efforts of teachers, past and present and the brilliance of generations of students. I salute them all on this memorable occasion.
As we look back on the transformation of Kerala in the last two centuries, we find the presence of many reformers whose influence had shaped and recast the attitudes and perceptions of generations at different times. However, the greatest influence on Kerala society came from the teachings and philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru, the universal teacher, who believed in the enlightening power of education. While his ideals of love, brotherhood and concern gave us a new philosophy of global peace and prosperity, his call to unite and to gain education ignited a social revolution that has very few parallels in Indian history.
The founders of this College who drew inspiration from the philosophy and vision of Sree Narayana Guru, had rightly concentrated on the educational uplift of the socially and economically backward sections of society. I understand that it was Sahodaran Ayyappan, one of the favorite and revolutionary disciples of the guru who inaugurated this College, which was founded by the Late R. Sankar the third Chief Minister of Kerala. It is befitting that the memory of the late T.R. Raghavan, the late N.K. Kuttiraman and the late K. Chathunni who put their heart and soul into the setting up of this College, is being honored today by honouring a representative each from their families.
In the words of the Gurudev Tagore, every learning should aim at enlightening the individual on the wider meanings of existence. It should also refine and reform their tastes and talents and equip them physically and mentally to face the challenges of future. Education, therefore, is a launching pad for the new generation to soar higher.
Higher education all over the world is undergoing changes in terms of concept, methodology and technology. Even the very idea of the classroom is changing. The teacher is no longer the final authority in knowledge and the student cannot just sit back and listen. Too much of thrust and dependence on technology has already created a lopsided development of personality all over the world. I fear that our attention is turning away from real societies, and moving towards virtual and imagined worlds that make us more and more intolerant and insensitive. Students of institutions that have evolved from the vision of reformers like Sree Narayana Guru should set an example by being firmly rooted in our social realities, promoting harmony and understanding.
The quality of the education that a college imparts decides its significance in society. Though many of our colleges have research outputs, they do not get proper exposure. I feel that this College should take up the challenge of bringing out a good research journal with good impact factor, as part of the Golden Jubilee.
I am happy that several development projects are planned as part of the Golden Jubilee. However, real happiness is in knowing that the students of this college, as part of their National Service Scheme activities could provide a house to one of their college mates. We should remember that even after 60 years of formation of our State, we still have 1.79 lakh families, which are not only homeless but also landless. Therefore, every house that we build for the homeless is a step towards social progress.
One area where every higher education institution has to concentrate is Skill development. We should aggressively pursue the advantage of India being one of the youngest nations, with the largest number of young people. However, we have not given adequate skill development to our youth so that they are equipped to grab the employment opportunities that arise in different fields. Each college has to devote special attention to this matter, so that the unemployment among the educated youth in our State can be brought down.
Behind the education that we get are the unseen sacrifices of so many people who remain less educated than we are. Therefore, all of us have an obligation to give back to society what we have earned from it. I am happy that the students have responded to recent developments by engaging in a programme to promote Digital literacy in the households and shops of the nearby Valappad village. In the new era of less cash and digital modes of payment, there is a need to enlighten the public so as to avoid hardships. It is good that a former student came forward to support the college in such initiatives.
These initiatives speak volumes of the social consciousness of the students. I was glad to know recently that Shri VS. Sunil Kumar, our Minister for Agriculture is a former student of this College. Names of former Minister Shri K.P. Rajendran, former MLA Shri T.N. Prathapan etc., come to my mind. I would urge the students to follow the examples shown by these former students in their commitment to society.
I sincerely hope that by the time your college celebrates its centenary, it will have a larger army of well known alumni, who have done great service to society.
I compliment the College Management, Staff, Alumni and Students for having organized this meeting in a befitting manner. I wish the students and teachers the very best in their academic endeavors.
Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
