Report of 4th Lakshmanrao Bhide Memorial Lecture
He mentioned that the PIOs who were taken as 'indentured labourers' to sugar plantations from Fiji to Suriname faced inhuman hardships for two generations but slowly transformed themselves into achievers due to the Hindu values of life, tremendous will power and patient hard work.
Talking about the secret of his success he said that the discipline that he had imbibed in the shakha was the foremost reason. He also spoke of the "apnapan" (cordial atmosphere) in the shakha that lacks in a school or clubs.
Shri Vishal Chavda, committee member of VAK, informed about the reasons for VAK to decide to have a web presence and introduced Shri Sunil Mishra who has designed and hosted the website. He then requested Shri Sital to inaugurate the VAK website. Literally the launch was glittery and dazzling.
Shri Dattatreya Hosabale started his address by mentioning that Bhide ji was an embodiment of simplicity and openness and he personified love and affection. He recalled that after assuming the office of General Secretary of WOSY, he had a met Lakshmanrao Bhide who gave him useful guidance and suggestions about the students and youth of various countries.
Speaking on the topic 'Facebook generation's face-off with global challenges' he said there was a digital divide in the youth. All the youth of present day do not have access to primary education leave alone access to the internet he said. Of every 100 students who enroll for primary education only 30 manage to reach up to the 10th Std. he said. More than governments the youth alone have the potential to reverse this and achieve 100 % literacy and spread of education.
He listed the global challenges facing the 'facebook' generation of today - climate change, poverty, corruption, terrorism. The youth have a lot to speak on these topics he said. The facebook generation is disillusioned with the system in most parts of the world. Youth have expectations from society but when their expectations are not met there is anger amid the youth. It was youth power he reminded which toppled the corrupt Sukarno Government in Indonesia in 1968.
The facebook generation does not want to turn its face from global challenges said Shri Hosabale referring to the 45-minute interaction he had with about 50 students mostly from IIT and Kalina Campus before the main programme. He was confident that the youth will take up issues that haunt society.
Ms Divya Ratan Sharda conducted the interesting question answer session that saw many youth participate with eagerness and enthusiasm. Shri Vidyadhar Phadke, Treasurer of VAK, delivered the Vote of Thanks. Ms Shubaga Narasimhan rendered the initial and valedictory vedic prayer.
The audience which was about 400 mainly comprised of about 150 college students and professionals from various walks.
