CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Special Lecture on Dada Makhanlal Chaturvedi’s Birth Anniversary at MCU, Inauguration of Pratibha 2025
A special lecture by Padma Shri awardee Kapil Tiwari was held on Friday at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU) on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dada Makhanlal Chaturvedi. The program was presided over by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Vijay Manohar Tiwari. On this occasion, the university also inaugurated Pratibha 2025, the annual event for cultural and sports activities. Additionally, the university’s website was relaunched. Two student newspapers of the university, Vikalp and Pahal, were also unveiled by the chief guest and the Vice-Chancellor.
The chief guest and keynote speaker, Padma Shri Kapil Tiwari—an eminent scholar of Indian knowledge traditions and folk culture—spoke on the topic “India: The Land of Knowledge Traditions”, opening new doors of introspection and intellectual awareness for both students and faculty.
In his address, Kapil Tiwari said:
“India’s tradition of knowledge is born from centuries of penance. In this land, gaining knowledge is not merely about acquiring information—it is about self-realization.”
He expressed concern over the current education system, stating:
“Today, knowledge is often equated with mere information, but true knowledge is that which shakes the soul and defines the direction of life.”
He further said:
“90% of people in our country fail to recognize their true potential. Educational institutions don’t even ask the fundamental questions—‘Who are you?’ and ‘Why have you come to this earth?’”
According to him, the real purpose of education should be to guide individuals according to their nature and talents. He referenced India’s rich intellectual traditions—including Advaita philosophy, Buddhist thought, folk traditions, and tribal life—as evidence of the country’s deep and diverse ideological heritage. He elaborated on the intellectual lineage of thinkers like Buddha and Nagarjuna, stating:
“Knowledge is not the monopoly of any one caste or class—it is like sunlight, meant for everyone.”
MCU: A Laboratory of Self-Realization and Social Consciousness – Vice-Chancellor Vijay Manohar Tiwari
During the program held at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Auditorium, Vice-Chancellor Vijay Manohar Tiwari, in his welcome speech, stated:
“This university is not merely a center for awarding degrees—it is a laboratory of self-realization and social awareness.”
He shared that he meets Director Kapil Tiwari once a month and intends to personally interact with students in classrooms in the future. Encouraging students to introspect, he urged them to ask themselves:
“Why are we here?” and “What is the purpose of our life?”
The program was anchored by Vivek Sawrikar and Director Arun Kumar Khobre, while Cultural Coordinator Director Urvashi Parmar organized the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by the university’s Registrar, Dr. Avinash Vajpayee.
Launch of Sports Competitions:
As part of Pratibha 2025, sports activities began with a cricket tournament. Senior sports journalist Akshat Sharma was specially present for the occasion. Vice-Chancellor Vijay Manohar Tiwari extended best wishes to all players. Sports Coordinator Satendra Dahiaria, Assistant Sports Coordinator Manoj Patel, and other faculty members were also present.
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