Universities should be bastions of free speech, debate: Prez

Abhishek Shukla Nalanda, Aug 27 (PTI) President Pranab Mukherjee todaysaid universities and institutions of higher learning must bebastions of free speech and expression and debates should beencouraged. At the first convocation of Nalanda University, he saidthe varsity reflects an idea, a culture which flourished for1,200 years before it was destroyed in the 13th century. He said that over the years, India has conveyed themessage of friendship, cooperation, debate and discussionsthrough the institutions of higher learning. "Dr Amartya Sen in his book ‘The Argumentative India’ hascorrectly pointed out that debate and discussion is the ethos,a part of Indian life which cannot be done away with. "Universities and institutes of higher learning are thebest forum for debates, discussions, free exchange of views…such atmosphere should be encouraged," Mukherjee said. He said the modern Nalanda should ensure that this greattradition finds new life and vigour within its precincts. "Universities must be bastions of free speech andexpression. It (Nalanda) must be the arena where diverse andconflicting thoughts contend. There should be no room forintolerance, prejudice and hatred within the spaces of thisinstitution. Further, it must act as the flag bearer forco-existence of multiple views, thoughts and philosophies," hesaid. Mukherjee asked the students, who passed out of thevarsity today, to progress in life, leaving behind "allnarrowness of minds and constricting thoughts". The ruins of the ancient university are located close tothe new campus. The MoU on the establishment of NalandaUniversity has so far been signed by 13 East Asia Summitparticipating countries and four non-EAS countries.(MORE) PTI ABS AKV ZMNGVS