Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal called on students to pursue spiritual education alongside modern academic learning, saying a balanced approach is essential for building a developed, self-reliant and value-driven India during the Amrit Kaal. He was speaking at the first convocation ceremony of Krishna Guru Spiritual University at Na-Satra in Assam’s Barpeta district, which was attended by Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya as the chief guest. Degrees, including doctorates and postgraduate qualifications, were awarded to students from various disciplines, along with gold medals for outstanding academic performance. Eminent Satriya dance exponent and Padma Bhushan awardee Jatin Goswami was conferred an honorary doctorate in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Indian classical dance, culture and spiritual aesthetics, drawing prolonged applause from the audience. Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said India’s youth bear the primary responsibility for shaping the nation’s future and that education must extend beyond technical competence to nurture ethical values, inner strength and social responsibility. He said students should combine quality modern education with spiritual learning to build a strong society and a developed nation. Recalling his own experiences, Sonowal said the teachings of Param Guru Krishna Guru on humanity, compassion, harmony with nature and service to society continue to guide his public life. The minister said institutions such as Krishna Guru Spiritual University add a new dimension to holistic education by blending spirituality with academic excellence. He noted that when the Krishna Guru Sevashram was established, the Na-Satra region was flood-prone and underdeveloped, making the creation of a civilisational centre a major challenge, but the vision has since evolved into an institution that spreads values and knowledge in society. Calling on students to shoulder greater responsibility, Sonowal said graduates must reflect their training through character, conduct and commitment wherever they serve. He urged them to use time wisely in an increasingly competitive world and to continuously upgrade skills in an era of smart classrooms, smart teachers and smart cities. He also highlighted the importance of yoga for holistic development, noting its global recognition under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Governor Acharya, in his address, underscored the role of spirituality in social and national reform, saying true reform begins with self-transformation rooted in values and sanskar. He said India’s traditional centres of learning combined intellectual pursuit with character building, compassion and holistic development, and that preserving this legacy is vital for building a strong and prosperous Assam and India. He also praised the felicitation of Jatin Goswami, describing the 93-year-old maestro’s discipline and energy as deeply inspiring. The ceremony was attended by spiritual leader Guru Krishna Shri Shri Premananda Prabhu, Bhaktimata and Chairperson of the Krishna Guru Foundation Trust Kuntala Patowary Goswami, Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Chandra Kalita, senior academicians, trustees, students and their families, and other distinguished guests.