Dr. Radhakrishnan firmly believed that universities have a crucial role in reconstructing and regenerating national life. To achieve this, universities must instill in students a love for liberty and freedom of thought, while also eradicating conservatism, dogmatism, and religious fanaticism. They should rejuvenate our national heritage, showcasing the profound traditions in philosophy, religion, literature, and ethics that our motherland possesses.
One of the primary goals of universities is to refine and cultivate students. Education should be designed to fully develop the intellect, logical reasoning, imagination, and critical faculties. These attributes are essential for a person to be truly human, and through them, an individual attains their full potential as a human being.
However, the dissemination of knowledge alone is not enough. Passive reception of knowledge does not lead to any change in the quality of the mind. True mental illumination occurs when a person's mind reacts to new facts and organizes them into a coherent system. This intellectual excellence enables individuals to comprehend things calmly and accurately, free from narrow-mindedness and prejudice. Universities must strive to achieve this state of mind in their students.
Furthermore, universities play a vital role in guiding the youth towards the right path. They should act as beacons of light, leading students towards noble deeds, lofty aspirations, and truth. Universities must produce disciplined citizens who set an example for others, even in times of passionate turmoil.
Inculcating spiritual values is another significant responsibility of universities. Fostering a solid core of spiritual life in every student allows them to resist the attrition of everyday existence in a mechanized world. Spiritual ideals are essential for genuine and lasting happiness and success, teaching students not just how to use their knowledge and powers, but how to use them for good.
To address the need for internationalism, universities must mold students into world citizens. Narrow-minded nationalism can be detrimental to humanity's existence on this planet. Universal harmony can only be achieved through collaboration in the field of education. Tagore's vision of "one world" emphasized the importance of nations living together as a family, fostering international understanding and cooperation.
As Sir Richard Livingstone expressed, universities must humanize individuals, showing them spiritual ideals that go beyond material achievements. These ideals are essential for true happiness and success, contributing to a better and harmonious world.
To summarize, universities hold immense potential in reconstructing and regenerating national life. They should nurture a love for liberty and freedom of thought, while combating conservatism and dogmatism. Reviving our national heritage and fostering refinement and cultivation in students are crucial steps towards intellectual excellence. Moreover, universities should guide students towards the right path, instilling spiritual values and promoting internationalism. By fulfilling these roles, universities can contribute significantly to building a better world for all.