'Pledge to root out corruption'

"Each of you must pledge to root out corruption from the society and contribute towards building an empowered country", Legislative Council Chairman D H Shankarmurthy told students.

Speaking after inaugurating 'Vidyarthi Mitra' project and eighth Pratibhotsav organised by Karnataka Arya Vaishya Mahasabha and District Arya Vaishya Samithi, at Trishool Kalabhavan, in Davangere on Sunday, Mr Shankarmurthy said that since time immemorial, our country had been progressive in terms of education, religion and economy. To loot the rich resources and get knowledge, many foreigners attacked India. Jealous over the quality education, they even destroyed the ancient and historic Nalanda University by turning it into ashes. Even today, hundreds of foreigners come to India to get education and medical treatment. But corruption is proving a barrier for the development of the country. So, it is high time that corruption is derooted from the society.

Lamenting that a country which served as a model to the world has been struggling to tackle various basic problems now, he said that we can get back our glory if youth take oath to create a corruption-free society before 2025.

Karnataka Arya Vaishya Mahasabha President R P Ravishankar said that the population of Arya Vaishyas in the State is less than one percent. But the students of the community are getting 100 percent results in various courses. He said that today, many communities are seeking reservation based on caste. But we must rise above it and attain a higher position through knowledge and talent.

He called upon students to become entrepreneurs or job givers and not just job seekers.

On the occasion, 846 meritorious students of the community were honoured. Prior to this, the students were taken in a procession on the major streets of the city.

Mr Ravishankar said that the Karnataka Arya Vaishya Mahasabha has honoured around 6,500 students in the last eight years.

Textile Development Corporation Commissioner R Girish also spoke. District Arya Vaishya Samithi President R G Nagendra Prakash, J V Nandankumar, Ashwath, Prabhakar, Shrinivasmurthy and others were present.