Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday termed live-in relationships as a “threat to India’s ancient culture” and urged youth to stay away from such “degenerate tendencies” that put families and especially young women at risk.
Addressing the 30th convocation of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University in Ayodhya, Patel warned the youth that trends like live-in relationships are a blow to a country with an ancient culture like India. It endangers the lives of families, society and especially daughters.
“Not as Governor, but as a woman and a grandmother, I urge all of you to stay away from this. Learn from the experiences of your parents and grandparents. Only then will your path be paved,” the statement issued by Raj Bhavan quoting the Governor said.
1,89,119 students got degree
During the convocation, degrees were awarded to 1,89,119 students, most of whom are girls. Patel congratulated the meritorious students and urged them to adopt positivity, self-reliance and social service as guiding values in life. Referring to the Pran Pratishthan ceremony of Ram temple to be held on November 25, he said that this is the fulfillment of a 500 year old dream, which was made possible by the sacrifices of innumerable people. He appealed to the students to imbibe the ideals of duty and religion of Lord Ram.
Expressing concern over the increasing drug habits among the youth, he said that such habits are becoming worrying in educational institutions and gave the example of Punjab. He said, “If you want to study, do it with all your heart. Leave behind bad habits and become a role model for your parents and society,” he said.
Last week, the governor had expressed similar concern over the rising cases of violence against women and urged female students to take wise decisions in their personal lives, saying, “Daughters should take any decision wisely and stay away from situations like live-in relationships, which can lead to exploitation.”
Appreciated the contribution of farmers
During Monday’s function, Patel directed universities that students with less than 75 percent attendance will not be allowed to appear for the exams. He praised the contribution of the farmers who donated their land for the establishment of the university and said that the rural educational institutions of Uttar Pradesh are progressing rapidly.
Expressing concern over environmental degradation, he said that the health of cities is deteriorating and there is a need for research and strict action to deal with pollution and natural disasters. During the programme, the Governor distributed 300 Anganwadi kits for empowerment of Anganwadi centers in Amethi district and launched HPV vaccination campaign for 300 school girls for cervical cancer prevention.
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