Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Devka Vidyapeeth, founded by Pujyashri Rameshbhai Oza
In order to bring change, education is a must, glad Bhaishri took this initiative: Shri Narendra Modi
Foundation laid for a New Gujarat within Gujarat along the long coastline of the state: Shri Narendra Modi
On Wednesday16th May 2012, Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Devka Vidyapeeth, founded by respected Bhagwat Kathakar Shri Rameshbhai Oza ‘Bhaishri’ on a 40-bigha plot at his birthplace at Devka near Rajula on the Saurashtra coast. The new campus is based on rich values on the lines of ancient Gurukul system of education and has been developed by Ramesh Bhaishri to pay back his indebtedness to the society in collaboration with donors from nearby areas.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi recounted an anecdote from the life of noted general, General Cariappa. Shri Modi said that General Cariappa had all the respect and fame in the world, he commanded one of the best armies in the world and was known all over. Yet, General Cariappa felt most overwhelmed when his own native village in Karnataka honored him. When our own people do something for us, the feeling is different, Shri Modi pointed out, adding that one may be as big but some people and places will be different forever. Similarly, today’s day would be very different for Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza as he is among his own people, said Shri Modi.
On the occasion, Shri Modi said that Bhaishri could have taken the ‘easier’ way out by building a Temple and calling some priests from Porbandar but he did not. Instead he did something that will echo in the minds of people for years to come- he built an educational institution.The Chief Minister saluted the efforts of Bhaishri and said that it was a divine heart that could come up with such a wonderful idea.
The Chief Minister said that in order to bring change, education is a must! He gave the example of Shyamji Krishnavarma, who echoed similar views a hundred years ago! Even Mahatma Gandhi realized the importance of the Indian system of education in order to instill patriotism free from Colonial indoctrination, which is why he established the Gujarat Vidyapeeth.
Shri Modi said that development was the only Mantra. He added that he put a special focus on education, concentrating on micro-level issues. He said that in the peak of summer the entire Government goes out into the villages of Gujarat asking the parents to educate their daughters. Shri Modi said that greater than the joy of being sworn is as Chief Minister is the joy of seeing a toddler going to school. Shri Modi said that earlier, the dropout rates were very high and girl students dropped out due to a lack of proper toilet facilities. The Chief Minister said that 60,000 toilets were built to ensure this does not happen again. The results are now for everyone to see- Gujarat has achieved 100% enrollment and dropout rate has reduced to mere 2% as compared to 40% earlier.
Shri Modi said that a day is not far when there will be a ‘New Gujarat within Gujarat’ on the coats on the state. He recounted the days when people would leave the coastal areas for greener pastures but this is no longer the case. Shri Modi said Gujarat’s 1600 km coastline is now to the gateway to India’s progress and Devka would play a big role in this too.
He ended by expressing profound gratitude for Bhaishri’s blessings and said that it is the blessings of 6 crore Gujaratis and seers like Bhaishri that Gujarat’s development journey surges ahead despite negativity of anti- Gujarat elements.
Ramesh Bhaishri thanked the donors for their contribution to the project. He wished children in the Vidyapeeth learn culture, attain success in life and serve the nation. He lauded the leadership qualities of Mr. Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister.
