Being good youth, biggest asset of country, says Khader

The ultimate aim of education is to train us to overcome difficulties in life and this should be reflected in our personality, said Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader.

Addressing young volunteers during the valedictory ceremony of National Integration Camp for Youth (NICY) at Yenepoya University on Sunday, he told the students that being a good youth is the biggest asset of the country.

Recalling his own student days when he was an active NSS volunteer, Khader said, it was participating in such youth activities that motivated him to later on pursue public life. “India is the best country to live in. Due to our country’s great diversity, we have many festivals and something to celebrate every month. India runs on the basis of humanity and culture, whereas developed countries are fuelled by ideas of revenue and taxes,” he said.

Giving the example of Lord Rama who, although a prince, had to give up all his privileges and face continuous hardships at a young age, Khader said, “Today, Lord Rama is loved and adored because he faced all his difficulties with a calm and thoughtful mind.”

Nitte University Chancellor N Vinaya Hegde said true national integration can happen only when it stems from the heart. “As citizens, each of us has a responsibility to build a strong country. Be good to your neighbours and respect everybody. After making friends with other delegates from all over India, you must take home good memories and remember the message that we are all Indians,” he advised. He urged all to give special attention to the North Eastern states as the entire region has not got its deserved affection from the nation.

National Youth Project director, the 88-year old Dr S N Subbarao, urged the student delegates to strive for realising the India of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams.

“Do everything that makes you stronger and discard everything that makes you weaker. Every day, give one hour for your own health and another hour for the nation’s health.

Remember to look upon yourself as a special Indian and a responsible citizen of the country,” he advised. He urged the youth to adopt Gandhian ideals of rejecting violence, hunger, liquor, vices and corruption.

The programme commenced with a well choreographed performance of national unity song ‘Bharath Ki Sanstan’ representing voices in different Indian languages. The recitation and dance performance was anchored by Dr S N Subbarao.