GRADUATION DAY SPEECH
GRADUATION DAY SPEECH ON THE RECEIPT OF THE DOCTORAL DEGREE FROM THE INDIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, NEW DELHI ON ITS 62nd CONVOCATION
Before starting my formal speech I would like to Congratulate Dr. S. S. Rathore for being selected as New HOD, Dr. T. K. Das for New Professor (UG), Dr. Y. S. Shivay for Professor 2.0 & 23rd Sukumar Basu Award, Dr. R. S. Bana for 3rd Dr. H. K. Jain Memorial Young Scientist Award, Mr. Tarun for elected to Academic Council, Mr. Satyam for IARI Merit Medal and Division level Medal and Mr. Kamlesh Kumar for Division level Medal🏅.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Respected dignitaries, faculty members, esteemed guests, my fellow graduates, and the entire academic community, I stand before you today with immense gratitude and pride as we celebrate the 62nd Convocation of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. This day marks not only the culmination of years of hard work but also the beginning of a new chapter for all of us. Today, I, Manu S. M., am honoured to stand before you as a recipient of a Doctorate in Agronomy.
Before I delve into the academic journey that brought me to this stage, I feel it is essential to share a glimpse of my background. I hail from Sundavalu Village in the Periyapatna Taluk of Mysuru District, Karnataka. My roots trace back to our community (*Name of caste & its synonymous in the foot note) that was historically labelled as a Criminal Tribe under the Criminal Tribe Act of 1871. However, times have changed, and my community/caste is now recognized under the Draft List of Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes of India. Despite the progress here and there, the social stigma associated with my tribe persists, making it challenging to openly disclose our caste identity. Nevertheless, I have chosen to be honest and upright, aiming to break the shackles of stereotypes that have plagued my community.
My doctoral research, conducted under the guidance of the esteemed Dr. Y. V. Singh, focused on "Microbial-mediated in-situ rice residue management and its effects on soil health and productivity of the rice-wheat system.” The primary objective was to identify sustainable management options for in-situ rice straw management by integrating microbial consortia, specifically the Pusa decomposer, in rice-wheat cropping system. This research aimed to address the environmental issue of stubble burning while promoting soil health and productivity. I take this moment to sincerely thank to my PhD advisory committee chairman and members, namely Dr. Y. V. Singh, Dr. Y. S. Shivay, Dr. Livleen Shukla, Dr. K. K. Bandopadhyay, Dr. V. K. Sharma, Dr. Kapila Shekhawat and Dr. Namita Das Shah and all faculty members for their advice and teaching for successful completion of the degree programme.
During my academic journey, I had the privilege of being elected as the Students Representative to the Academic Council in 2020-21. Additionally, I proudly served as the Founder member and President of the Babasaheb Ambedkar and Birsa Students Association (BABSA). Our collective efforts successfully led to the establishment of the SC/ST/OBC/Minority Cell in IARI and an extension of fellowship tenure, accreditation issue of WST & ES, advocating for the welfare of students from all section of the society including marginalized communities.
One of my significant contributions to the agricultural student community was my fight for OBC Reservation in All India Quota seats of State Agricultural Universities through the ICAR All India Entrance Exam. This endeavour reflects my commitment to equal opportunities and representation for all aspiring students in the field of agriculture. Beyond academics, I actively participated in sports, representing the university six times in various games/cultural events at the All India Inter Agricultural Universities level. My achievements include a gold medal in the game of Kho-Kho. I was also honoured as the State Best NSS Volunteer by the Government of Karnataka, emphasizing the importance of community service.
Currently, I serve as a Research Fellow in the Consortia Research Platform on Conservation Agriculture Project at the Division of Agronomy, IARI, New Delhi. My journey, though challenging, has been guided by the principles of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, whose ideals are enshrined in our Indian Constitution. These principles have been my guiding light, propelling me toward the highest academic degree in a British-established institution. It is noteworthy that the very institution conferring this honour today, its erstwhile government (British Raj) played a role in designating my caste/community as a criminal tribe under the Criminal Tribe Act of 1871. Despite the historical injustices, I stand here not only as a testament to my perseverance but also as a symbol of resilience against societal prejudices.
Today, I stand before you with a message that resonates with the essence of true democracy – the right to dissent and engage in constructive criticism. In a democratic society, the hallmark of progress is the ability to question, debate, and criticize without fear of reprisal. Any country that lacks this fundamental right is akin to a barbaric state. It is imperative for us to uphold the values of democracy and ensure that the voices of dissent are not only heard but also embraced.
My first message is directed towards the field of agronomy, which is currently under threat. It is a call for introspection and action to safeguard the principles that govern this vital discipline. The oneness that should prevail is missing, and I urge scientists/agronomists to remember that 'If we walk long enough, it must necessarily lead us to unity.
To the esteemed members of IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), I emphasize the importance of incorporating ideas from all stakeholders. It is disheartening to witness a few vested interests undermining the collective progress of this institution. Let us strive for inclusivity and a shared vision that benefits the entire agricultural community.
Turning our attention to ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), my message centres around the alarming issue of appointments. Merit and experience seem to be hijacked, deviating from the vision of the founders.
“I quote and unquote “The founders of ICAR & IARI- Lord Linlithgow and Lord Curzon, will be turning in their grave seeing how ICAR appointments are made and how the Merit and Experiences are tampered with”
To the young students, I urge you not to forget your rights and to cultivate leadership qualities. Now, more than ever, it is the need of the hour for the youth to actively participate in shaping the future of our society.
In the realm of science, a major threat lurks in the form of paid research papers and fraudulent patents. It is crucial that we address this issue head-on to maintain the credibility and integrity of scientific endeavours.
Shifting our focus to Indian society, it is disheartening to witness the persistence of caste and corruption. To avoid the impending calamity on humanity, we must collectively strive to eradicate both from our social fabric.
Lastly, I am critic on the incidents related to DSRC's decision not to include one treatment of stubble burning in my experiment, while in the NITI Aayog project at IARI, permission was granted to include the same. Additionally, I also disappointedly criticise the demolition of the Centre for Conservation and Utilization of Blue Green Algae (CCUBGA) building, where I did my research work and it was inaugurated by Former President of India, K. R. Narayan.
It's every Indian citizen’s constitutional rights under Article 19(1) to peacefully protest against the action and in action of government, So, I will be protesting the revised guidelines for the award of merit medal issued by PG School just 42 days before convocation.
I quote “A university stands for humanism, for tolerance, for reason, for the adventure of ideas and for the search of truth. It stands for the onward march of the human race towards ever higher objectives” JLN, I also quote “Education is the milk of tigress who will drink he can't stay without roaring” and “Student life is meaningless without Education, Agitation and Organization”
In conclusion, I dedicate my doctoral thesis to the millions of people aspiring to come into mainstream society, particularly those listed as Denotified Tribes, Nomadic Tribes, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DT/NT/SNT) – formerly labelled as criminal tribes. As we celebrate today, let us remember that education has the power to break barriers and transform lives. I am honoured to receive this degree from this great institution that, in the past, its establishers/govt. contributed to the challenges my community faced. Let this moment be a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream beyond societal constraints.
Thank you, and may we all continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable future.
***
Footnote: *Caste name and its synonyms (Bargunda, Bhajanthri, Dhontale, Kaikadi, Kakkalan, Keer, Kepmaris, Kodaku, Korama, Korama Shetty, Korava, Koravar, Koracha, Korachar, Koragar, Koravanji, Korwa, Kuluva, Kulo, Kunchi Korave, Kurunga, Kurava, Kuravan, Kuravar, Makadwale, Panikers, Pomlar, Sidhanar, Vedars, Vettuvars, Wajantri, Yerukala)
PDF Link: Graduation day speech
PDF link: DNT/NT/SNT List
~Manu Sundavalu
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