From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 19: Fr (Dr) Abraham V M, Vice Chancellor of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) exhorted students not to be worried and disheartened by the disruptions caused by the Corona virus during the last two years and move forward with courage and determination with hope to come out successful in coping with the challenges of life.

In his address to the inaugural session of the academic year 2021-22, the Vice Chancellor said the University was well aware of the fact that many of the students were facing difficulties due to the changing situations and responsibilities outside the academic life and sought to reassure that they will get full support.

Devoting most of his address to discuss the aftermath of the Covid situation that has impacted lives and livelihood, especially academic life and reminded the students remember the `miracle of human spirit’ to survive the challenges brought by the Covid pandemic.

“Always remember that there is light at the end of a dark tunnel and have faith,’’ Fr Abraham said and urged the student to maintain a routine to establish the sense of normalcy and remain connected with fellow classmates and faculty, who will always be a great source of support.

“This has been such a tough time for everyone. So give yourself room to feel the full range of your feelings (mad, sad, relief, confusion, grief). Know there is no "right" way of coping with the current situation and do the best you can and trust that. Keep moving forward. All of you are a part of something larger than yourselves,’’ he said stressing that the global pandemic ``should not be allowed stop any of us from becoming who we want to be in the future. Give everything that you can to achieve your goals, never give up, stay positive, strong, healthy and resilient.’’

Fr Abraham said, “I know a lot has changed over these two years. A lot of disruptions. Lots of dreams deferred. As Vice chancellor there is something that I proudly see as a constant and that is the Christite identity that is forged stronger and the Christite spirit that outlives all challenges and crisis to shine stronger than ever before.’’

`”Our students continue to be amazing individuals who are committed to our vision and mission, dedicated to their studies, contributing members of the campus community and the community at large. You are now proving that you are resilient! I am so proud of the manner in which you have tackled these challenging times,’’ he said.

All must do their part to beat Virus

With students in the University and across the country being forced to remain confined to their homes and forced to depend largely on online classes without being able to physically attend the classes, Fr Abraham said all should do their best to beat the virus that is faceless, sexless, non-denominational and bi-partisan and an enemy to be defeated.

“Humanity is bigger than the sum of its parts and it takes just as much energy to build it up as it does to tear it down. It reminds us that there is so much more good, more love than hate and so much promise to heal and grow,’’ he said.

Warmly complimenting the students by becoming role models for the juniors, Fr Abraham said the University has devised better assessment and evaluation strategies that have been implemented by working hard, submitting assignments on time, going through the Viva in the most disciplined manner, well prepared and demonstrating to us that you are also accountable as learning partners in the process of education.

The conviction and trust that the students reposed on the University system without succumbing to media campaigns by vested political groups tarnishing the university reputation with false propaganda and baseless accusations was simply 'amazing’, the Vice Chancellor added.