NEP modelled on vision of Sayajirao Gaekwad III, other leaders, says Shah

“Maharaja (Sayajirao III) did not allow his state to experience slavery during the British colonisation… He emphasised female education, eradicated purdah system, made a separate law for divorce, brought in the revolutionary widow remarriage rules and changed education policies to ensure employment opportunities,” Shah said, praising the “visionary” ruler of the erstwhile state of Baroda.

Remembering the “struggles” of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Shah said, “It was on this day that Netaji entered Burma… He had suffered greatly for India’s freedom. Netaji couldn’t succeed but he suffered so much for his cause that he is still remembered.”

Shah said many foreign delegates feel “embarrassed” about their ignorance of their native languages. “Do anything in your life, but do not forget your mother tongue. Language is a personality, it can be anything. Do not think that a particular language determines your value. When you think or research in your language, you think better. Language does not define your capability. It increases your efficiency and your decision making skills… There is no bigger way of personality development than your own language,” Shah said, adding that NEP also fulfills “PM’s vision of making mother tongues stronger”.
Chaos at the venue

Earlier, several students, who could not be accommodated at the Sayaji Nagar Gruh due to space constraints, clashed with the police and chanted slogans against the institute. Congress leaders Narendra Ravat and Kapil Joshi, who are also senate members, were detained by the police from inside Sayaji Nagar Gruh after getting into an altercation with BJP leaders at the event. Ravat and Joshi objected to the lack of space for students and senate members inside the venue. Ravat, who was dragged away by police personnel from the event, said, “As per the university protocol, senate members have to raise their hand and approve the convocation ceremony as part of the process… There is no space for senate members to sit here.” Later, the MSU management arranged chairs for students to sit outside the Nagar Gruh.

Several parents were left in tears as they could not find space at Sayaji Nagar Gruh. “My mother was in tears and I requested the security to allow her to attend my convocation. However, they did not pay any heed to us and only allowed the politicians and MLAs to enter the venue,” claimed a gold medallist, who received the degree from Shah. The venue of the event, which was to be held at the convocation ground of MSU, was changed Friday following heavy rainfall in the city.

“We were 5,000 students invited to the venue after the sudden change of plans. Despite that, we were not allowed to enter. When the students began chanting slogans, they arranged chairs but almost everyone was disappointed, including the gold medallists, who were let in as their parents were not given the respect that they deserved. The university should have held the ceremony at the convocation grounds itself instead of leaving students disappointed on such a big day,” said another student.

A total of 14,761 students were awarded degrees in the convocation, including 6,713 males and 8,048 females. Additionally, about 100 students of Ph.D, were also conferred their titles at the event.