Raj college kids called for Vande event

JAIPUR: The Raj as than government has directed all private and government colleges enrolled with National Service Scheme (NSS) to take part in the massive Vande Mataram recital event in Jaipur on November 8.

The two-hour event, jointly organised by Rajasthan Youth Board and Hindu Spiritual Service Foundation (HSSF), will be held in the city’s SMS Stadium. In an order issued on Wednesday, the Directorate of College Education directed principals of all private and government colleges to appoint a convener to ensure all students enrolled in NSS take part.

The order states that the event aims to inculcate good values among youth so that they could rise above ca ste, religion and gender- based discrimination sand develop positive attitude and a sense of patriotism.

“The event has nothing to do with religion as people of different faiths will be taking part. First, a yoga event will be held, followed by recital of Van de Mat- aram,” said Rajasthan Youth Board secretary Kailash Pahadiya. But the opposition Congress has critic is ed the move. “It’s a ploy to divert attention from the real issues of unemployment and lack of women empowerment. The youth need jobs. The government should be focusing on these issues,” Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma told HT.

The event is the latest in a series of controversial orders issued by the state government.

In an order issued on October 30, the government had asked the colleges to take students on educational tours to Pratap Gaurav Kendra Rashtriya Ti rt hi nUda ip ur, which provides information about 16th century Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap of Mewar.

The circular issued to principals of all government colleges, joint secretary( academics) of college education directorate said permission to take the students on educational tour to Tirth to enhance knowledge and develop patriotism and duty was granted.

Last month, the Rajasthan government had directed colleges to install a statue of Vivekananda if they did not have one of an ‘inspirational personality’ on campus.

A recent circular by the commissioner ate of college education states that as per government instructions, each college in the state should have the image of a ‘great or inspirational personality’ displayed on campus.

The event has nothing to do with religion as people of different faiths will be taking part.

KAILASH PAHADIYA, Rajasthan Youth Board secretary