Students of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University after their convocation in Muzaffarpur on Thursday. Picture by Lokesh Bihari

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha called upon academicians and students to preserve Indian heritage and moral values at the convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University.

Speaking as chief guest at the glittering function on the premises of Langat Singh College on Thursday, she hit out at commercialisation of education, adding that it has affected moral conduct, character, culture and others.

“Education is meant to develop personality and promote cultural values and goodness. Education has removed darkness and enlightened souls. It has elevated man from the bottom to the top. In an era of information technology, higher education has a challenging task of restoring the cultural heritage of ancient India,” she said.

She added: “Unfortunately, moral and cultural values are becoming a thing of the past. It is painful to see that ageing mothers and fathers are dumped at old-age homes by their sons and daughters. This is because they lack moral education. Is it a right thing to do — putting your parents at old-age homes when they become old and unable to move?”

Making a fervent appeal to the gathering of teachers and students, Sinha said the need of hour is to impart moral education.

She appealed to vice-chancellor (VC) Pandit Palande to start a pre-marriage advisory centre in the university to impart moral and ethical values.

She also encouraged the students to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cleanliness campaign. “The Prime Minister has pinned high hopes on boys and girls for his cleanliness campaign,” Sinha said.

Speaking as guest of honour, education minister Brishin Patel said the convocation would prove to be a milestone in promoting literacy, academic and cultural activities in the university. “Education doesn’t merely end with getting degrees. It is a lifelong learning process and investment in higher education is investing in the future of the country,” said Brishen.

Earlier, Sinha awarded medals to 49 toppers in different disciplines in 2012 and 2013.

Prachi Sinha, the English topper in 2013, was thrilled on getting the medal. “It’s a dream come true. I was delighted when the Goa governor awarded the medal,” said a beaming Prachi.

VC Palande completed the academic formalities by conferring medals, degrees and certificates to 203 students during the convocation. Sinha also inaugurated a solar energy plant at the administrative building. The central government has provided Rs 3 crore to the university to set up the plant. Palande also expressed gratitude to the guests at the function.

The convocation at abasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University on Thursday was held after a decade. The Bihar governor was scheduled to inaugurate the event but he gave the function owing to some unavoidable reason.

Police and the administration, however, had stepped up security on the Langat Singh College premises to ensure a hassle-free function.