Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav asserted on Monday that universities do not just serve as centres of education, but also as vital institutions for the building of any nation. His remarks came during the foundation-laying ceremony of the Rishi Galav University in Gwalior, during which he highlighted the city’s rich legacy of valour, art and scholarship.
The Chief Minister underlined that with the establishment of the university, Gwalior is poised to carve out a fresh identity as an emerging education hub in the state. He added that the institution, named after the revered sage Rishi Galav, will equip future generations with cultural grounding, skills and values.
MP CM Dr Yadav performing rituals on the occasion
CM pays tributes to Madhya Bharat Education Committee’s founder
On the occasion, CM Dr Yadav paid tribute to the founder of the Madhya Bharat Education Committee, late Sadashiv Ganesh Gokhale, whose vision laid the foundation for educational advancement during India’s pre-Independence era. He recalled that the committee was established on July 21, 1941, under challenging circumstances, aimed at spreading education.
It began with a single school, and has now expanded into a network comprising four colleges, five schools and a sports academy. At present, more than 5,000 students are enrolled across its various institutions. CM Dr Yadav added that the Rishi Galav University will integrate India’s traditional knowledge systems with modern science and technology, with the goal to nurture individuals who are knowledgeable, innovative, ethical and socially responsible.
CM recounts historical, mythological examples
The Chief Minister then outlined the importance of character building, referring to historical and mythological examples. He spoke of Lord Krishna’s pursuit of education at Ujjain’s Sandipani Ashram and his enduring friendship with Sudama as a symbol of equality beyond economic divides. Following this, he also cited the story of Dronacharya and Drupada to illustrate the potential misuse of education.
Shedding light on India’s ancient centres of learning, such as Nalanda and Takshashila as examples of value-based education, he said that the state government is focusing on enhancing students’ competence, efficiency and character under the New Education Policy by means of initiatives like Sandipani Schools.
CM Dr Yadav earlier at the inauguration of a Sandipani School in MP
Expansion of universities in MP
While concluding his address, CM Dr Yadav also elaborated on the expansion of higher education institutions across MP. He mentioned the establishment of universities in honour of prominent historical figures, such as Tantya Tope in Guna and Tantya Bhil in Khargone. Additionally, the Rani Avantibai Lodhi University has been laid in Sagar alongside an existing Central University.