Make social service mandatory for students: Naidu

Urging teachers to teach students moral values and ethics, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday advised educational institutions to make social service mandatory for their wards.

"Make social service or service to armed forces or voluntary organisations like National Service Scheme (NSS) and Scouts & Guides mandatory for conferring degrees," said Naidu at a function here.

Addressing the valedictory function of the V.P. Deenadayalu Naidu's centenary celebrations here, Naidu said social services would help students inculcate the spirit of oneness, nationalism and social consciousness.

"Students should draw inspiration from a visionary leader and a nationalist like Deenadayalu," he said.

The Vice President said moral science should be included in the school syllabus.

Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Deenadayalu (1917-98) was the National Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts & Guides from 1992-95 and was elected the Bengaluru Mayor in 1955.

As a student leader during the freedom movement, Deenadayalu was imprisoned thrice by the British.

Concerned over the declining values in public life, the Vice President stressed the need to elect representatives with calibre, capacity and conduct.

"We need committed leaders to fight social evils like poverty, illiteracy, violence and others. They must be responsive to the sufferings of the people and ensure the benefits of government schemes reach the poor, said Naidu.

The National Adventure Institute of the Bharat Scouts and Guides at Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh was set up during Deenadaylu's tenure.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala, State Cooperation Minister Bandeppa Kasampur and officials, members and 100 Bharat Scouts and Guides were present on the occasion.

--IANS

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