Lakshadweep opens two arts and science colleges for the youth

The vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated two arts and science colleges in Kadmat and Androth islands during his first state visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep on January 1, 2022.

Inaugurating the two colleges, Naidu said that the courses being offered will help the students of the islands, especially the girl students, overcome the geographical constraints of the region and pursue quality higher education with employment potential. The Vice President, who is also the Chancellor of the Pondicherry University to which the colleges are affiliated to, emphasized the importance of skill development among students.

He advised the administration to start more short courses in skill development to increase the employability of the islands’ youth. Observing the immense eco-tourism and fisheries potential of Lakshadweep, Naidu called upon the youth of the islands to utilise the courses offered in aquaculture, tourism and hospitality and proactively strive for excellence in these sectors where they have a natural advantage.

He expressed confidence that the new colleges "will not only serve the aspirations of the youth of the islands, but have a powerful multiplier effect and redefine the socio-economic landscape of the region." The Vice President emphasized that the development of the Lakshadweep islands is integral to the development of the nation.

Naidu lauded the resolve of the people and administration of Lakshadweep for enforcing the complete ban on single use plastic on the islands. He also appreciated the fact that islands are moving towards 100% shift to green energy in a span of two years. He called for a people's movement for continuing the high cleanliness standards of the island under the “Swachh Lakshadweep” programme.

Highlighting the importance of 'application' in education, Naidu called upon the youth to also look for innovative solutions for long-standing issues of the islands such as the scarcity of potable water. He said the "real power of education gets unleashed when knowledge, skills and values are applied to bring about a transformation in the lives of the people."

Naidu advised the youth to take up physical activities such as yoga and sports for a fit body and sound mind. He also distributed equipment such as coconut tree climbing devices and other implements to beneficiaries.

Administrator Patel, Lok Sabha MP Mohammed Faizal, Gurmeet Singh, vice-chancellor, Pondicherry University, senior officials, students, teachers and others were present during the event.

Expressing happiness about his first official visit to the islands as the VP of India, Naidu said Lakshadweep boasts of a "unique confluence of ancient cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty" and that he was humbled by the hospitality of the people. Praising the beauty of Lakshadweep, he appealed to people that everyone must try to visit the islands at least once in their lifetime.