education

Updated: Sep 09, 2017 15:11 IST

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged students of colleges and universities to not miss Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on September 11, terming it a “life-changing programme”.

A similar note has been sent by the All India Council of Technical education (AICTE) to the directors of technical colleges.

The Prime Minister will address them to mark Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Centenary Celebrations and the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s address at Chicago World’s Parliament of Religions.

The theme of the programme is ‘Young lndia, New lndia - A Resurgent Nation: from Sankalp to Sidhhi’.

The UGC has issued a circular to all universities across the country, urging them to propagate the event effectively.

“Institutions have been asked to install proper TV/ projection facility for wide viewing. The students and teachers may be encouraged to participate in the event. The programme/ venue may be prominently displayed on the campus notice board,” states the circular issued by UGC.

The AICTE note too asks the institutes to “provide an opportunity & facility” to teachers and students to view the PM’s address by identifying a common place, audio-visual room or auditorium in the campus and installing of proper TV or projection facilities.

“It is requested that the above event is propagated effectively and interested students obtain the facility to view such a significantprogramme that could be life-changing,” stated the AICTE.

“The Prime Minister will address the nation to remind one and all about the relevance and significance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings in the backdrop of today’s social milieu. It would be of particular importance for the youth of today to understand and absorb the content of Swami Vivekananda’s messages to the world, in order to ensure their right educational, career and spiritual growth,” reads the UGC circular.

The UGC has asked vice-chancellors to ensure students and teachers are encouraged to participate in the event. “The programme/ venue may be prominently displayed on the campus notice board,” it said.

Swami Vivekananda was a philosopher saint who, through his teachings, strove to infuse knowledge amongst people that addressed their spiritual as well as socio-economic needs, in order to enhance the quality of their lives.