Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister and President of Karnataka Congress, D.K. Shivakumar, remarked on Friday that Christian educational institutions have significantly contributed to the advancement of education both in the country and the state, nurturing numerous leaders over the years.

He made these comments during the College Day celebration held at Jyoti Nivas Educational Institution in Bengaluru.

“For the past 60 years, Jyoti Nivas has provided exceptional service. I have encountered many of its graduates in various countries. The institution has fostered remarkable individuals who have thrived on a global scale,” he noted.

Highlighting the necessity of communication in addition to talent, Deputy CM Shivakumar stated, “While I am a politician, my passion lies in education. Ultimately, it is education that sustains us. While it is simple to provide examples, it is a challenge to become a role model for others.”

Reflecting on his personal journey, Deputy CM Shivakumar shared that he hails from a small village in Kanakapura. “I began my education at St. Thomas School and later attended NPS, where I was expelled. I couldn't finish my degree as I entered politics. I became an MLA at a young age, but the wisdom I gained from senior leaders in the Assembly motivated me to pursue education again, and I completed my degree at 46,” he explained.

He advocated for the rise of more female leaders, noting the existence of 33 percent reservation in politics and 50 percent in local governance. “I hope this college fosters future women leaders,” he emphasized.

Stressing the importance of remaining grounded, Shivakumar said, “If we lose sight of our roots, we cannot achieve meaningful outcomes. Our foundation must be robust. Although I am the Deputy Chief Minister, I still honor my teachers. We must uplift one another and grow collectively. Talent should be showcased; knowledge must be disseminated. Advancement is achievable only through the sharing of knowledge.”

He underscored the significance of knowledge-sharing, asserting that both knowledge and wealth should be distributed.

“Every teacher is also a learner. If educators do not continue to learn, they cannot impart knowledge effectively. In today's world driven by AI, everything evolves swiftly. My daughter recently demonstrated how information can be retrieved instantaneously via ChatGPT. Today’s youth are technologically savvy, whereas I am not well-versed in computers and use mobile phones sparingly,” he remarked.

He noted that students can now access information almost instantaneously, often ahead of their teachers. Referring to his experience at the Davos summit, he said, “People globally recognize Bengaluru. The city is celebrated for its climate, culture, and talent.”

He quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, stating that Bengaluru epitomizes India on the world stage due to its talented workforce.

He added that Karnataka produces approximately 1.6 lakh engineering graduates annually, boasting over 270 engineering colleges, 1,160 ITIs, and 72 medical colleges that churn out more than 13,000 doctors each year. The state also employs around 26 lakh IT professionals and accommodates nearly 2 lakh foreign nationals.

“All this has been facilitated by institutions such as Jyoti Nivas, St. Joseph’s, and Mount Carmel,” he stated.

In a personal anecdote, Shivakumar shared that while he celebrates his children's birthdays, he feels uncomfortable celebrating his own. Recalling an incident from 25 years ago in Paris, he said, “When others learned it was my birthday, they invited me on stage and presented a cake with candles. Coming from a rural background, I was unaccustomed to such festivities. When asked to blow out the candles, someone intervened, stating that as an Indian, I belong to a culture that lights lamps rather than extinguishing them.”

Describing Jyoti Nivas College as a source of pride for Bengaluru, he affirmed that it has generated numerous talented individuals and leaders over the last sixty years while maintaining a highly disciplined environment.