'First Become Expert Mother, Then Go For IAS': UP Governor Anandiben Patel's Convocation Message

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Thursday said women should strive to become "expert mothers" before aspiring to be IAS officers or teachers, underscoring the importance of family values, parental responsibility and character-building during a university convocation in Kanpur.Addressing the 41st convocation of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Patel said professional achievements should not come at the expense of family responsibilities. She encouraged young women to pursue higher education and careers even after marriage while balancing their roles within the family and contributing to society.The Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of state universities, urged parents to stay actively involved in their children's lives

even after they enter schools and colleges. She also stressed the need to instil moral values, expressed concern over drug abuse in and around student hostels and said education should focus on building character alongside academic excellence."Whether you become an IAS officer or a teacher, first become an expert mother. Everyone should know how to cook the food prepared at home," she said, adding, daughters should not discontinue their education after marriage and should use their knowledge and skills for nation-building.In addition to this, she also asked parents not to treat their responsibility as over once their children enter educational institutions. "Parents should know what their children are doing after they enter educational institutions. Even a small lapse in supervision can adversely affect their future," she said.Expressing concern over drug abuse in and around university hostels, Patel said a monitoring team constituted by Jan Bhavan — formerly known as Raj Bhavan — had uncovered cases in which narcotics were allegedly being smuggled through food delivery containers. She said swift administrative action led to the dismantling of the network.The Governor also linked the rise in domestic violence and crimes against women to a decline in moral values, arguing that education should extend beyond academic achievement. "If the number of degrees is increasing but society continues to witness such crimes, it reflects the real state of our education. Moral values are as important as academic knowledge," she said.(With agency inputs)