At a recent convocation ceremony, the Governor of Karnataka, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, highlighted the vital role of young people in India’s future, calling the youth the “backbone of the nation.” Speaking at the 13th annual convocation of Davangere University, he stressed that education should go far beyond simply earning a degree or securing a job — it should help build character, morality, empathy, and social responsibility.
Gehlot pointed out that India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, and this demographic advantage presents a powerful resource if channelled correctly. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he urged students to be committed to the nation’s development and to take on responsibilities that will shape India’s future, especially as the country approaches its centenary of independence.
In a message especially relevant for students these days, the governor encouraged graduates not to limit their ambitions to campus placements alone. Instead, he said, they should embrace innovation, start-up culture, and entrepreneurial thinking — particularly in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and data sciences. According to him, failure should not be feared, as it is a valuable part of the learning process for any innovator or entrepreneur.
The event also saw the awarding of honorary doctoral degrees to distinguished individuals, and numerous students received gold medals and doctoral degrees in recognition of their academic achievements. Although a scheduled keynote speaker could not attend, his address was delivered on his behalf by a senior faculty member. University officials including the vice-chancellor and various deans were present at the ceremony.
Overall, the governor’s address underscored a broader theme: India’s youth are not just beneficiaries of education, but active contributors to nation building. With the right mindset, skills, and vision, today’s graduates are expected to play a central role in shaping India’s technological, economic, and social landscape in the years ahead.