The 74th Republic Day was celebrated at PES University - Ring Road Campus. Mr. S N Sethuram, renowned Actor, Director, Playwright and Deputy Commissioner (Retired), Income Tax Department, Govt of India, was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The event started with the hoisting of the national flag by the Chief Guest followed by the rendition of the National Anthem. Addressing the gathering, Mr. S N Sethuram urged everyone to be honest, and take pride for being an Indian. He mentioned how today’s youngsters have been pampered and parents paying undue attention thereby making them more dependent. He said that youngsters need to be given more responsibility, and urged them to be patient and remain committed to whatever they undertake in life. He was of the opinion that we have accepted the history taught to us. There is a need to relook, rethink about our own history and culture. He mentioned that the average Indian is blessed with intellect far beyond what the others believe and said we have adopted digital payments when most thought that this transition would be difficult for the common man. He concluded by saying that the ultimate happiness in life is to live with pride, without harming others.
Dr. J Suryaprasad, Vice Chancellor, PES University, in his presidential address, put forward his thoughts and vision about stories and narratives. He spoke about how history as narrated by the hunters and the hunted would be different. While the version narrated by the hunted will have a different perspective it is normal to accept the version of history as narrated by the hunter, however skewed it might be. He said that each one of us who have lived with PES Institutions for the past 30 years and more, have our own stories; Chairman Prof. MRD Sir's story would be one of the hardships faced in starting and sustaining the Institution in the beginning years besides all the iconic moments of growth, while the others would have their own narratives. He said that patriotism need not necessarily be exhibited on specific days and by the armed forces alone and all of us doing the small things that take the society forward is also an expression of patriotism.
Dr. K S Sridhar, Registrar, PES University, presented the vote of thanks and recollected how the performances of Sri Sethuram in the famous tele-serials broadcast on television would bring the state to a halt during the times they were aired.
Dr. V Krishna, Dean, Student Affairs, welcomed the gathering and compared the program. The program concluded with students of Music Club, PES University - Vaishnavi V B, Shreya Adiga, Vrunda & Nikhil Ramesh rendering soulful patriotic songs which delighted the audience.
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