Surat: The CK Peethawala Engineering College marked its 25th anniversary with a Silver Jubilee celebration at its Dumas Road campus. Former President Ramnath Kovind attended the event and unveiled a statue of the late Chhotubhai K. Peethawala, the college's founder and guiding inspiration.
During the celebration, alumni who achieved success in various fields after studying at the college were honored by the former President. The institution, established by Chhotubhai in 1998 near Dumas Road in Magdalla, commemorated its milestone with a series of grand events.
In his address, Kovind emphasized the importance of education in brightening an individual's life. He praised the late Peethawala as a visionary and humble social leader who adhered to Mahatma Gandhi's principles throughout his life. Kovind expressed hope that the institution would continue to produce exemplary citizens in the years to come.
The former President also discussed the National Education Policy-2020, which was prepared after extensive consultation with over 10,000 educationists. He noted that the policy aims to foster creativity and would be a game changer for the nation's future.
Reflecting on his interaction with Peethawala during his time as private secretary to then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Kovind commended Peethawala's dedication to uplifting villages and building educational institutions for future generations. He encouraged students
to excel not only in academics but also in fields such as sports, art, and music.
Kovind further suggested that universities should adopt a 'responsibility of universities' approach, similar to corporate social responsibility (CSR), for the welfare of their students. He stressed the importance of understanding the challenges faced by people in remote rural areas and informing them about government welfare schemes. This, he said, would not only fulfill social responsibility but also bring about significant change in students' lives.
The CK Peethawala Engineering College, which began as Navyug College in 1965, aimed to provide quality education to children from rural areas for a brighter future. Under the guidance of the late Chhotubhai K. Peethawala, the college grew to become the esteemed institution it is today. As the college celebrates its 25th anniversary, the legacy of its founder and the impact of its educational mission continue to resonate throughout the community.
