Universities must be bastions of free speech and expression: President

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IndiaTomorrow.net,
Rajgir, Bihar, August 27: Universities and higher education institutions are the best forums for debate, discussion and free exchange of views… Universities must be the bastions of free speech and expression,” said President Pranab Mukherjee while addressing the first convocation of Nalanda University here on Saturday.

“Ancient Nalanda was known for the high level of debate and discussion it nurtured. It was not a mere geographical expression but it reflected an idea and a culture. Nalanda conveyed the message of friendship, cooperation, debate, discussion and argument. Discussion and debate are part of our ethos and life. They cannot be done away with. Universities and higher education institutions are the best forums for debate, discussion and free exchange of views,” said the President.

“Though the main subjects of study (at ancient Nalanda university) were the Buddhist texts, importance was also given to critiques of Buddhism by various schools, study of Vedas and beyond,” said the President.

“Nalanda was a melting pot of civilizations and modern India should remain the same. We should not close our windows and yet we should not be blown off by winds from outside. We should let the winds flow freely from all over the world and get enriched by them. We should embrace free discussion and debate leaving behind narrow mindsets and thoughts.”

“Prof. Amartya Sen who is with us today has written about how our history and traditions have always celebrated the ‘Argumentative Indian’. The lesson for modern Nalanda is to ensure that this great tradition finds new life and vigour within its precincts. Universities must be the bastions of free speech and expression. It must be the arena where diverse and conflicting schools of thought contend. There should be no room for intolerance, prejudice and hatred within the spaces of this institution. Further, it must act as flag bearer for the coexistence of multiple views, thoughts and philosophies,” said the President.

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