Education empowers women, says Chamarajanagara University VC, ETEducation
Mysuru: The true empowerment of women can be achieved only through education, said MR Gangadhar, vice-chancellor of Chamarajanagara University.
Speaking at the 195th birth anniversary celebrations of Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher, held at the Board of Management Hall of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Gangadhar emphasised that providing quality education to women is essential to eradicate deep-rooted social evils.
He expressed concern that unless free and accessible education is ensured for girls from poor and middle-class families, society will continue to remain trapped in regressive practices. Pointing to the continued prevalence of child marriages in several regions, he stated that educating girls is the most effective means to eliminate such practices and promote overall social development.
The VC also highlighted the growing challenges posed by the privatisation of education and healthcare, noting that these trends placed quality learning beyond the reach of many underprivileged children.
He observed that despite completing 75 years of Independence, India continues to be classified as a developing nation, largely due to the absence of inclusive and high-quality education. Without strengthening the education system, he said, the country’s aspiration to become a developed nation would remain unfulfilled.
While acknowledging that both the Union and state govts introduced several schemes to encourage education, Gangadhar pointed out that many girls are still unable to benefit from them due to social attitudes and lack of awareness.
Citing a recent instance from Chamarajanagar, he spoke about a meritorious science student who secured 85% marks but was confined to her home for two years by her parents instead of being allowed to pursue higher education. He added that the student was admitted to Chamarajanagara University, giving her a renewed opportunity to continue her academic journey.
KSOU vice-chancellor Sharanappa V Halse, registrar SK Naveen Kumar, registrar (evaluation) CS Anandkumar, dean (academic) M Ramanatham Naidu, and programme coordinator P Manjunath were present.
Source link
