Mangalore, Jan 16: Although the Government has initiated policies and programmes for the development of Muslims, the efforts of the government alone are not sufficient and there is a need for the private sector as well as the Muslim community itself to come forward and work in this direction, said K Rahman Khan, Union Minister for Minority Affairs.
Delivering the Convocation Address at Yenepoya University, Mangalore, on Wednesday, Mr. Khan said that Muslims, who constitute nearly 14% of the country's population, continue to be the most backward community, educationally.
“The Sachar Committee report has revealed the nature and extent of deprivation or exclusion of Muslims in education, employment, housing, health, bank credits, and other services provided by the government and private sector entities. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has chalked out a multifarious programme of educational development of Muslims in the country, which includes opening of universities in Muslim dominated areas. But efforts of government alone will not suffice and there is a need for private players to join forces and work for the development of Muslims”, the Minister said.
Congratulating the students who received their degrees on the occasion, Mr. Khan advised them to develop a mindset that deepens a sense of public responsibility.
“India needs men and women of character with ethics, morality, humanism, and empathy. The poor and deprived look up to you with hopes and aspirations. Serve them with all resources at your command. This will be the crowning glory of the education you have received”, Mr. Khan said.
A university is not only a place of learning but a centre of social and community development, Mr. Khan said.
“A civilized country is not known by its shopping malls alone but the number of its universities, by its centres of academic excellence. Egypt is still known throughout the world for its Al Alzhar University. India was once famous for Takshila and Nalanda universities. Oxford and Cambridge universities have become distinct identity of the UK. Universities play a key role in the developmental strategy of a nation”, the Minister said.
40 MD/MS, 40 MDS, 17 M.Sc Nursing, 2 MPT and 22 Post Basic B.Sc Nursing students received their degrees on the occasion.
Y Abdullah Kunhi, Chancellor, Yenepoya University, Dr. B S Sripathi Rao, Vice-Chancellor, were present besides others.
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