Mangalore University launches new Nehru Studies Centre

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 19, 2011 :  V. K. Nataraj, the former director of Chennai Institute of Development Studies, inaugurated the Nehru Studies Centre at Old Senate Hall in Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri on Thursday and said in his inaugural address that there is a lack of critical and analytical work on Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. 

 

 

 

He said that some of the contributions of Nehru are secularism, outlawing untouchability, voting rights to women, mixed economy, planning commissions, independent foreign policy, and codification of Hindu laws. The first prime minister of India also contributed to the inculcation of scientific temper and the establishment of innumerable scientific institutions across India.

Admitting that Nehru alone was not responsible for all the above achievements, he also pointed out that Nehru did not focus on elementary education although he was famous for his love of children. He also complained that Nehru set into motion the machinery of dynasty rule and also that corruption began flourishing when he was in power although he was not corrupt.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. T. C. Shivashankar Murthy, the vice chancellor of Mangalore University, said that all study centres and chairs at the university will be placed in one block by December. He also said that the university has 19 study centres and chairs, the largest number in Karnataka.

Prof. K. Chinnappa Gowda and Dr. R. Shashidar, the director of Nehru Studies, were also present.