M Venkaiah Naidu bats for culture, agriculture in school syllabus

KANPUR: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday that topics like agriculture and Indian culture should be included in school and college syllabus and expressed concern that agriculture is considered as a less profitable business.

Addressing students at the 19th convocation of Chandra Shekhar

Azad University

of Agriculture and Technology here, the vice-president said that he would ask the Centre to consider his suggestion.

Naidu said though there are many challenges in the field of agriculture, students should not lose hope. “The population is increasing rapidly, so we need to focus more on agriculture. It is our duty to carry out more research work and keep on improving this sector. Agricultural universities have to play a vital role in the development of the nation,” he added.

Expressing concern over problems faced by farmers,

Naidu

said that the government should increase investment in this sector and regulate market. There should enough cold storages and other stores in every state for equal distribution of crop produce throughout the country. It is surprising that onion is sold for Rs 2 per kg in

Nasik

and for Rs 40 per kg in Delhi, he said.

Referring to the nation’s rich culture, Naidu exhorted students to preserve it. “We must feel proud of our culture. One should learn any language of his/her choice but national language should not be ignored,” he said.

The vice-president said that post demonetisation, enough money has returned to banks. “The cash which was lying in bedrooms has come out. Now, when there is enough cash, banks should give affordable and timely credit to farmers. They should also focus on agriculture and rural development,” he said.

Emphasising the need for communal harmony, Naidu said many rights have been given to citizens but they must be careful not to hurt the sentiments of others. “We should respect all, irrespective of religion and cultural background. It is our diversity which makes us unique in the world,” he added. Concluding his speech, the Vice-President said, “Teachers are important in our life. Google cannot replace guru.”


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