NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the founder of 'Visva Bharti University' Rabindranath Tagore's vision was the essence of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India), adding that the varsity embodied Indian nationalist sentiment during Independence with his guidance.
Modi made the remarks while addressing the centenary celebrations of the iconic Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan. The varsity is among the premium centres of learning and is closely associated with Rabindranath Tagore.
Modi said, "Guided by Gurudev (Rabindranath Tagore), Visva Bharati presented a strong image of Indian nationalist sentiment during Independence. Gurudev wanted the entire humanity to benefit from India's spiritual awakening. The vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self Reliant India) is also a derivative of this sentiment."
"Be it the Visva Bharati University, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Andhra University, Anna Malai University and several other premier institutions — these came up around the same time, in the same era, and gave momentum to India's thirst for knowledge," he said.
The Prime Minister further stated that today, as more and more people are getting good education, we will have to work to build a strong and wise nation — one that is self-reliant now.
"We must take inspiration from all those who have contributed to making India great over the centuries and millennia. We must also keep in mind the India that our freedom fighters envisioned when they fought for our Independence. That is why we are now at the stage to create an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," added the Prime Minister.
Stating that "one must remember the circumstances which led to the establishment of this university", he pointed out, "It was not just the British rule; but, in the background, were our rich ideas and history of hundreds of years of movement."
He also said that the 'Bhakti Andolan' brought us all together, then the 'Gyan Andolan' gave us knowledge and finally the 'Karm Andolan' helped us execute our plans to take the nation forward beginning with our struggle for independence.
"Learning not just from what is happening in India, India has always been open to learn from the world over. Take your university's name for example. That itself shows India's approach and views on education — Visva Bharati — which joined 'Maa Bharati' (motherland India) with the Visva (world); and we, as a people, have always pursued education and greatly valued it," said Modi.
The Prime Minister also said, "India is playing a huge role in the world for environmental protection through the 'International Solar Alliances'. India is the only major country in the world which is moving fast on the right track to meet the Paris Accord's environmental goals."
Modi added that Visva-Bharati's milestone is a moment of pride for all of us. "Its 100-year journey is historic. Visva-Bharati is a true embodiment of Gurudev's contemplation, vision and hard work for Mother Bharati. For India, the dream that Gurudev had seen, is a kind of adorable place to give continuous energy to the country to embody that dream."
The Prime Minister further stated that the work of 'Gramodaya' of Visva-Bharati has always been admirable. "The Yoga department that was started in 2015 is also growing in popularity. Visva-Bharati University campus is an example of both study and life together with nature," pointed out Modi.
In May 1951, Visva-Bharati was declared a Central university and an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament. (IANS)