LUCKNOW: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the critical importance of character development alongside academic achievement during the 11th convocation ceremony of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) in Lucknow. Addressing the graduating students on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Singh stated that education, which solely provides a degree without fostering character, holds little value and remains incomplete. He emphasized that genuine accomplishments are meaningful only when they are firmly rooted in ethical values.
Speaking at the university, Singh, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lucknow, remarked, “When education only gives a degree but does not develop character, such education has no value, it is incomplete.” He urged the students to cultivate broad minds and steer clear of jealousy, suggesting that a wider outlook enhances personal happiness and fulfillment. A pure mind, he posited, is characteristic of someone with a broad perspective, while a narrow mind precludes such purity.
Recalling the words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Singh shared, “No one becomes great with a small mind, and no one can stand with a broken spirit.” He also drew parallels with the struggles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, noting that despite facing immense discrimination, including being denied water from communal taps, Ambedkar chose the path of education over violence or succumbing to fate. Singh highlighted that Ambedkar returned to India to inspire societal change through knowledge.
The Defence Minister further elaborated on the role of universities as centers for personality development, asserting that institutions bearing Ambedkar’s name carry even greater expectations. He stressed the essential integration of skills and knowledge with values and sensitivity, stating that knowledge is incomplete without values, and personality is incomplete without sensitivity. Quoting Ambedkar, Singh conveyed that “Character is even more important than education. If there is no humility in one’s nature and no morality in one’s character, an educated person is more dangerous than a violent animal.” He advised the students to maintain humility throughout their lives.
Encouraging the youth to dream ambitiously not just for themselves but for the nation, Singh urged them to aspire to become creators of employment rather than mere seekers. He likened life to a long journey that demands dedication and discipline, stating, “The journey of life is long and should be taken like a spiritual discipline. The bigger the mind, the greater the happiness and joy.”
The convocation ceremony, which conferred degrees upon 8,551 students from the academic years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, along with backlog candidates, marked the university’s 11th convocation. This event followed a three-year hiatus attributed to the absence of a permanent vice-chancellor. Female scholars demonstrated exceptional performance, securing 342 out of the 508 gold medals awarded. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Raj Kumar Mittal, and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
