Universities are Centres of Education and Nation-Building: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the historic city of Gwalior has, since ancient times, been a pinnacle of valour, scholarship and art. With the establishment of Rishi Galav University, Gwalior is moving toward creating a new identity as the state’s education hub. He said that a university is not only a centre of education but also a place for nation-building. This institution, to be established in the name of Rishi Galav, will equip future generations with values, culture, and skills, making them forerunners of nation-building.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav remarked that the dedication of revered Sadashiv Ganesh Gokhale, founder of Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti, is worthy of reverence. He laid the foundation of the committee 85 years ago on July 21, 1941, during a challenging period of colonial rule, with a resolve to spread education. What began as a single school has now expanded to four colleges, five schools and a sports academy. Currently, more than 5,000 students are studying in various institutions under the committee.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Rishi Galav University will offer education that combines Indian knowledge traditions with modern science and technology. Its objective is to develop citizens who are knowledgeable, virtuous, innovative and socially responsible. He was addressing the gathering at the Bhoomi Poojan for the university.

Special Emphasis on Competence, Skills and Character under National Education Policy

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that after the slaying of Kansa, Lord Shri Krishna came to Ujjain to pursue education, where he set a remarkable example of friendship with Sudama, reflecting that there should be no divide between rich and poor. He added that while the episode of Dronacharya and Drupada illustrates misuse of education, ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila exemplify the dissemination of human values through knowledge traditions.

Following this spirit, special emphasis is being placed on building competence, skills and character among students under the National Education Policy through Sandipani schools in the state. He said, referring to West Bengal, that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, nationalist ideals have continuously been expanding to the farthest corners of the country.

Convocation Ceremonies are now held in Indian Attire with ‘Safa’ instead of Black Gowns

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Rishi Galav University will be a living example of joint efforts between the government and society. The state government will extend full support for its establishment with dignity and pride. He emphasised that education is the greatest asset in life and that several innovations in higher education have been introduced based on this principle.

In this context, the term ‘Kulapati’ has been respectfully replaced with ‘Kulguru’ for university heads. Guru Purnima celebrations are now being organised across the state. Convocation ceremonies are now conducted in traditional Indian attire, featuring a safa (turban) instead of black gowns. Earlier, convocations were held after long intervals, but now they are organised annually in every university.

Universities established in the names of Tatya Tope, Tantya Bhil and Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Tatya Tope University has been established in Guna and Krantisurya Tantya Bhil University in Khargone. Sagar already has a Central University, and the state government has also established Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi University. PM Colleges of Excellence are being set up across all 55 districts and are being developed as multidisciplinary institutions in line with the National Education Policy. He congratulated Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti for reviving the glorious tradition of Rishi Galav through the establishment of the university and expressed hope that the university will commence by Guru Purnima next year.

True development lies in the Growth of both Humans and their Environment: Shri Suresh Soni

The keynote speaker and member of the All India Executive Committee of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Shri Suresh Soni, said that construction of roads, buildings, and infrastructure represents only environmental development. True development is when both individuals and their surroundings grow together, making people more sensitive, thoughtful, and broad-minded.

He said that Rishi Galav University is being established with this noble objective and will focus not only on employment-oriented education but also on character building. He expressed confidence that students graduating from the university will spread Indian knowledge globally, like Nalanda and Takshashila.

Shri Soni also expressed concern over excessive dependence on devices and gadgets, stating that progress requires a balance between the conscious and the material. He emphasised adopting a vision that harmonises modernity with traditional values and encouraged the use of AI without diminishing intellectual capabilities.

Nations do not become Great solely through Military Strength: Shri Ashok Pandey

Presiding over the programme, RSS Madhya Bharat Prant Sanghchalak Shri Ashok Pandey said that no nation becomes great solely on the basis of military strength; education and values are essential. Rishi Galav University is being established with this very vision.

Primary Objective of Education is to Establish Highest Human Values: Higher Education Minister Shri Parmar

Higher Education Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar said that the main objective of education is to establish the highest life values. In Indian tradition, education has always been a societal responsibility, and ancient universities produced exemplary citizens. He expressed confidence that Rishi Galav University will uphold this legacy and provide quality education to all. Minister Shri Parmar also noted that the National Education Policy 2020 has been implemented in Madhya Pradesh.

University to focus on character building and employment-oriented education: Dr. Bandil

Dr. Rajendra Bandil, President of Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti, said that the university will focus on character building along with employment-oriented education. Efforts will be made to ensure that students graduating from the institution contribute to nation-building and bring global recognition to India. He informed that classes at the university will commence from Guru Purnima, July 18, 2027, and the university will be fully developed within three years. Along with existing professional courses, new courses based on Indian knowledge traditions, philosophy, religion and heritage will also be introduced. The university will be equipped with modern facilities such as smart classrooms, digital libraries, computer labs, and advanced laboratories, along with two large hostels.

At the conclusion of the programme, Secretary of Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti, Shri Rajendra Vaidya, expressed gratitude to all. The programme was conducted by Smt. Archana Sharma and guests were welcomed with mementoes.

Several dignitaries, including State Finance Commission Chairman Shri Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, Member of Parliament Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah, Apex Bank Administrator Shri Mahendra Singh Yadav, former ministers Shri Anoop Mishra and Shri Lal Singh Arya, former MP Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, Poultry Development Corporation Chairman Shri Keshav Singh Baghel, Gwalior Development Authority Chairman Shri Madhusudan Singh Bhadauria, Sant Kripal Singh and other public representatives and office bearers of Madhya Bharat Shiksha Samiti, were present at the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony of Rishi Galav University.