President in J&K urges to take responsibility for safety and security of children

Jammu, April 18 (Only Kashmir): The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, Wednesday addressed the 6th convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, Jammu. Over 880 scholars received their degrees and merit certificates at the ceremony. Founder & Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal and Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Munjal Auto Engineering Ltd, Sudhir Munjal were conferred honorary Doctorate by SMVDU on the occasion. First Lady, Smt. Savita Kovind, was present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the President referred to recent reports of the brutalisation and killing of a girl child in the state. Perhaps the most beautiful thing in the world, the President said, was the smile on the face of an innocent child. The greatest benchmark for society to judge its success would be to keep our children safe. Protecting every child and ensuring all children feel secure is the utmost responsibility of society. In various parts of the country, our children are sometimes victims of heinous crimes. The occurrence of such barbaric incidents even 70 years after Independence is a matter of shame. We have to ask ourselves – what kind of society are we building? What are we giving our future generation? Are we building a society where women can enjoy justice, equality and independence, as provided for by our Constitution? The President said it was a common responsibility for all of us, in all parts of the country, to address this issue.



Turning to the progress of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, the President was happy to note the success of its Technology Business Incubation Centre. The Centre can help incubate student-led start-ups. The President said that in today’s world, universities and students need to emphasise research, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
The President also noted that girl students had got eight of 12 gold medals at the University convocation. Despite the fact that our society till places more restrictions on girls than on boys, young women are achieving a lot, and in every field. The President specifically mentioned the medal winning performances of female sportspersons from all corners of India in the recent Commonwealth Games.
Later in the evening, the President attended a civic reception hosted for him by the state government at Amar Mahal in Jammu. Addressing the gathering, the President said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown courage, fortitude and resilience, even in the face of challenges. All of India takes pride in them and is confident of their ability to use economic and educational opportunities that are being created in different regions of the state. The President appreciated the government and people of the state for showing commitment to development and to the path of progress.
Earlier, Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Speaker Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta, Chairman Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, Minister for Revenue Abdul Rehman Veeri, Minister for Cooperatives Chering Dorjay, Minister for PHE Sham Lal Choudhary and Minister for Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Zulfkar Ali received the President at the Technical Airport here.



Meanwhile Governor N. N. Vohra, briefed the President, Ram Nath Kovind, who arrived in Jammu today, regarding all important issues relating to the State. Among other matters, Governor briefed the President about the external security situation; the obtaining and emerging internal security environment; status of various important socio-economic development schemes and programmes; issues relating to the functioning of the administrative apparatus; growing incidence of corruption; impact of social media and enhancing radicalisation; and the challenges facing the school education and health sectors. Governor also informed Rashtrapati ji about issues relating to higher education and functioning of the Universities in the State.
Later Governor N.N Vohra, hosted a Banquet at the Raj Bhavan for Ram Nath Kovind, President of India and First Lady, Smt. Savita Kovind.
Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister; Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Deputy Chief Minister; Sh. Kavinder Gupta Speaker, Legislative Assembly; Haji Anayat Ali, Chairman Legislative Council; Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar, Acting Chief Justice J&K High Court; Members of State Council of Ministers; Judges; Members of Parliament; senior officers of the State Civil and Police administration; Central Police Forces, Army; Vice- Chancellors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (OK)