Education without character is incomplete, says Rajnath Singh at Lucknow convocation
Rajnath Singh says degree-only education lacks value, urges youth to build character and broad minds.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that an education which only confers a degree without nurturing character is of little worth and remains incomplete. He was speaking at the 11th convocation of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow.
Singh, who represents Lucknow in Parliament, told the graduating students that accomplishments gain real meaning only when anchored in values. He encouraged them to develop a broad outlook and steer clear of jealousy, observing that a person's contentment grows with the width of their perspective. "A pure mind belongs to one whose mind is broad," he said, adding that a narrow mind can never be a pure one.
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Singh noted that no one becomes great with a small mind, nor can anyone stand firm with a broken spirit. He also drew on the life of B.R. Ambedkar, the university's namesake, who faced discrimination yet chose education over bitterness or violence. "Despite suffering so much injustice, instead of cursing his fate or choosing the path of violence, he chose the path of education," Singh said.
The Minister emphasised that universities are centres of personality development, and expectations are higher for an institution bearing Ambedkar's name. "Skill and knowledge, along with values and sensitivity, are essential," he said, adding that knowledge without values is incomplete and personality without sensitivity is lacking.
Quoting Ambedkar, Singh warned that an educated person without humility and morality can be more dangerous than a violent animal. He urged students to remain humble and to dream big not only for themselves but for the nation, becoming job creators rather than job seekers.
Describing life as a long journey, Singh said it should be approached with dedication and discipline. "The bigger the mind, the greater the happiness and joy," he remarked.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Vice-Chancellor Professor Raj Kumar Mittal, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.