The Hindu : Much more to achieve, says Gopalaswami

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 15, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Much more to achieve, says Gopalaswami

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUCHI, FEB.14 . Despite the macro-economic indicators reflecting an impressive progress of the nation, there is still much to be achieved, the Election Commissioner, N. Gopalaswami, said here today.

Delivering the Graduation Day address at the St. Joseph' s College, he said the 57th report of the National Sample Survey for the period of June 2001-June 2002 provided a "sobering thought for the country which is in a celebratory mood over its economic performance."

Sixteen out of 1,000 rural households and three out of 1,000 urban households went seasonally hungry and only two-fifth of the population in villages and one-third in town were employed, he said, quoting the report. Unemployment among the educated and underemployment among the less educated was still high, he said, adding that the number of people, who went without assured electricity, drinking water, sanitation and basic health care, was still uncomfortably large.

Indian economy was the fourth biggest in the world and second fastest in the world. According to a report of the Reserve Bank of India, it was growing at more than seven per cent.

Citing human development indicators, he said life expectancy at birth had more than doubled over the past five decades.

Likewise, the literacy rate in the country was 65.38 per cent now, compared to 18.32 per cent in 1951.

Despite the scepticism of the initial years after Independence, the country had indeed made enormous progress.

Quoting the Upanishad, Mr. Gopalaswami urged students to adhere to truth in speech, righteousness in conduct, virtuosity in actions and to have a life-long quest for knowledge. By conforming to some basic tenets, a satisfaction of a purposeful life could be ensured.

He advised students to choose a career, which, they think, would suit them best to achieve their ambition.

There was no magic formula for success, but there were some basic tenets, adherence to which would bring satisfaction.

The Election Commissioner conferred degrees on 1,011 undergraduates, post-graduates and M.Phil scholars, in the presence of the Principal, A.G. Leonard, and Rector, S. Lazar.

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