CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Two-Day “Guru Festival” Held at Bhoj University on the Occasion of Guru Purnima On the occasion of Guru Purnima, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University organized a two-day “Guru Festival.” As per the directives of the Madhya Pradesh government, this event is being observed across all universities from July 21 to 22, 2024. The festival began with a live broadcast of the Guru Purnima celebrations from Devi Ahilya University, Indore.
The second phase of the event was held on the Bhoj University campus, where all esteemed teachers of the university were honored. The chief guest for the event was Dr. Shobha Srivastava, the Ombudsman of the university. Professor Sanjay Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor of Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, presided over the ceremony, while Dr. Sushil Manderia, the University Registrar, and Dr. Ratan Suryavanshi, Director of Student Support, were also present.
The event took place in the university auditorium, where Professor Sanjay Tiwari was honored, and all teachers were recognized by the university staff.
In her address, Dr. Shobha Srivastava highlighted that Guru Purnima commemorates the birth of Maharishi Vedavyasa. She noted that while time and teachers both serve as guides, teachers give tests after teaching, whereas time tests us first and then teaches us. Dr. Srivastava explained that ancient Gurukuls were centers of communal learning, where education was imparted based on potential. She narrated the story of Ekalavya and Dronacharya, emphasizing the role of various forms of Gurus: Shiva as the primary Guru, mothers as the first Gurus, fathers as the second, teachers as the third, spiritual guides as the fourth, and one’s own inner self as the fifth. She also noted that the mirror serves as an additional Guru, reflecting our true self. Dr. Srivastava stressed the importance of practical experience alongside bookish knowledge and expressed concern over the rising incidents of student suicides. She urged teachers to develop themselves as true Gurus, showing patience and maintaining communication with students, while advising students that true reverence to Gurus is demonstrated through the meaningful application of knowledge.
In his presidential address, Professor Dr. Sanjay Tiwari stated that there is no greater position than that of a teacher. He emphasized that the best teacher is one who inspires their students, sharing a story of Buddha and his disciple Anand, where Buddha said, “Appa Deepo Bhava,” meaning “Be your own lamp.” He also mentioned the renowned grammarian Panini and discussed his work, the Ashtadhyayi. Dr. Tiwari encouraged teachers to be dedicated to their subjects, underscoring the significance of commitment in teaching.
