We must teach history in objective manner as actually unfolded: VP Naidu at IIM Vizag

Stressing that education was not just for employment, the Vice President said that education must empower an individual with knowledge and wisdom.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said it was time for the education system to be re-oriented by moving away from the colonial mindset. He said that a nation that does not derive inspiration and energy from its history would find it very difficult to meet with the challenges of the future.

"We must teach history in an objective manner as it actually unfolded", he said, while delivering the Third Convocation address of IIM Visakhapatnam today.

Stressing that education was not just for employment, the Vice President said that education must empower an individual with knowledge and wisdom.

The Vice President opined that access to quality education for all and at all levels was essential to ensure inclusive growth and prevent any form of discrimination. He advised students to update their knowledge and skills with the changing needs of the 21st-century global job market.

"New knowledge transforms old paradigms. You can and you should keep yourself ahead in this knowledge revolution," he said.

Shri Naidu said that the time has arrived for India to once again emerge as the global knowledge hub and for that to happen, he opined that the seats of learning, especially the universities, must reinvent themselves as hubs of vibrant intellectual pursuit and as centres of resolute research and innovation.

Talking about the importance of agriculture in the growth of a nation, the Vice President said that revitalizing and rejuvenating agriculture was of utmost importance. He said that one should not hesitate to introduce a number of structural changes in the agricultural sector to make it profitable.

Shri Naidu also called for united efforts from the government, scientists, agriculture research institutes and farmers to work in unison to ensure food security with home-grown nutritious food. "I have always maintained that India cannot survive on imported food security," he said.

Vice President lauded IIM Visakhapatnam for mentoring and guiding about 25 aspiring women entrepreneurs from AP and Telangana. He said that such initiatives of women empowerment would act as a force-multiplier and transform families, economy and the society at large.

The Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIM, Shri Hari S. Bhatia, the Director, IIM, Vishakhapatanam, Prof. M. Chandrashekhar, faculty and students of the institute were present at the venue.

(With Inputs from PIB)