Context of the Warning
UP Governor Anandiben Patel, who also serves as the chancellor of state universities, addressed the 47th convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi. In a speech focused on safeguarding women and promoting responsible choices, she urged daughters to think carefully before decisions that could expose them to exploitation. The remarks, reported by PTI via Raj Bhavan, reflect ongoing concerns about violence against women and the need for heightened awareness among young students.
What She Said About Live-In Relationships
Patel specifically cautioned against live-in relationships, framing them as situations that could lead to exploitation. While emphasizing personal autonomy, she urged young women to be vigilant and discerning about whom they trust and the social dynamics around them. The governor’s message underscored the importance of making informed choices in personal relationships, particularly in a society where women often bear the brunt of gender-based violence.
Broader Call for Education with Duty
Beyond personal safety, Patel framed education as a vehicle for change, not merely a credential-earning exercise. She called on graduates to uphold discipline, duty, and a sense of nationhood. The address suggested that education should extend into social responsibility, with students encouraged to engage with their hostels and universities in ways that strengthen community life.
Community Engagement and Responsible Citizenship
Patel urged graduates to participate in cleanliness drives and other civic activities, dedicating at least one hour weekly to service. This emphasis on civic duty aligns with a broader vision of education as a tool for shaping responsible citizens who contribute to public welfare rather than simply pursuing personal advancement.
Focus on Research, Environment, and Inclusivity
The governor highlighted the importance of environmental protection, organic farming, and disaster research. She linked natural calamities to human disruption of ecological balance, stressing the responsibility to restore and maintain environmental health. In a nod to inclusivity, Patel praised the university’s efforts in promoting education for the third gender, signaling an emphasis on equal access to higher learning for all segments of society.
International Collaboration and Local Outreach
In a bid to expand academic collaboration, Patel announced that the university would soon sign an MoU with Taiwan. The announcement showcased a push toward broader research partnerships while reinforcing the local impact of higher education on regional development.
Social Welfare and Cultural Preservation
Earlier in the program, Patel distributed 300 Anganwadi kits to centers in Chandauli district and released a commemorative souvenir along with Jhanki, an illustrated biography of the university founder Shiv Prasad Gupta. These gestures reflected the administration’s focus on child welfare and the preservation of educational legacy as engines for social progress.
Takeaway for Students and the Public
The governor’s remarks carry a dual message: prioritize personal safety and make informed life choices, while recognizing education as a catalyst for ethical leadership and community service. As universities navigate changing social norms, Patel’s call for vigilance, responsibility, and inclusive education resonates with growing concerns about women’s safety and the role of education in empowering all genders.
