Hazaribagh, Sept. 18: Vice-chancellor of Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) Arvind Kumar today urged all teachers, students and non-teaching employees to work with improved co-ordination and sense of responsibility to develop the seat of learning into a Nalanda or Takshashila of modern India.

He was addressing a gathering during a function held to mark the university’s 18th foundation day.

“VBU is committed to follow the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba. It aims to set an example of a unique blend of science and philosophy by teaching traditional, modern and scientific disciplines side by side,” Kumar said.

He added that the university’s goal should be not to churn out clever pupils, but responsible citizens, who can upheld Indian culture and ethos. “We should be able to produce students, who can stand out in the society as Vinobas of the present times. Give us a disciplined campus and we will give you a top class university in VBU,” the V-C told the gathering.

Chief guest and Congress Legislative Party leader in Assembly Manoj Kumar Yadav recalled how the people of Hazaribagh had fought for the establishment of the university. Appreciating the steady progress made by VBU in such a short span of time, he assured all help from his side.

Pro V-C Jyoti Lal Oraon recalled the contributions of founder V-C Dr Vinodini Terway and thanked all teachers and staff for their roles in the university’s progress. The university’s senior-most teacher, now retired, Dr Rajendra Pandey also addressed the gathering.

Earlier, floral tributes were paid to the statue and picture of Vinoba Bhave. Registrar E.N. Siddiqui presented the annual report. A cultural function followed.