27-08-2025 : Address by Hon’ble Governor at the Release Ceremony of the Book “First. Forever.” – based on the life of eminent educationist Shri N. J. Yasaswy
Jai Hind!
Today is a moment of great joy and pride for me, as we gather to release “First. Forever.”—an inspiring and historic book that chronicles the life and vision of the great educationist, visionary thinker, and nation-builder, Shri N. J. Yasaswy.
This book is not merely a biography; it is a movement, a vision, and a philosophy—a philosophy that transformed education into the most powerful tool for social change and nation-building.
Shri Yasaswy’s life teaches us that education is not limited to textbooks; it is the art of living. He firmly believed that education should not remain the privilege of a few, but must reach every section of society, every region, and every learner. He committed himself to democratizing education—and he made it a reality.
From the valleys of the Himalayas to the remote corners of the Northeast, he lit the lamp of knowledge by establishing universities and institutions whose light continues to guide millions of students even today.
When we look at his contributions, we feel immense pride. In eleven states—Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Telangana—his imprint on education is indelible. These institutions were not mere buildings; they were the fulfillment of his dream—that every corner of India should become a land of knowledge and innovation.
Shri Yasaswy’s vision of education went far beyond management and finance. He founded pioneering institutions in law, technology, teacher education, pharmaceutical sciences, arts, and culture. For him, education was not simply a means of employment—it was a pathway to character-building and service to society.
He believed that true education is a harmony of knowledge, skills, and values. That is why he built a remarkable balance between India’s traditions and modern learning.
In today’s world, we often measure the success of an institution by its grand buildings. But for Shri Yasaswy, the true strength of any institution lay in its students, teachers, and values. He built his universities on the foundations of integrity, quality, and trust. That is why his institutions are not just centers of study—they are laboratories of nation-building.
This book reminds us that if we work with vision, honesty, and dedication, we can transform the future of generations to come. “First. Forever.” carries the powerful message that education is the means by which one can uplift oneself, society, and the nation.
On this occasion, I would like to emphasize the crucial role of universities. Universities are not just centers for awarding degrees—they are centers of social consciousness, where ideas, research, and innovation take root. It is from universities that thinkers, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and leaders emerge to guide the nation.
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it becomes even more essential that our universities do not remain confined to academics alone, but emerge as torchbearers of nation-building.
In this context, I have urged all Vice-Chancellors to commission books on the lives of their respective university founders. A biography is not merely the story of an individual—it reflects the spirit, struggles, and ideas of an entire era. By recording the lives and contributions of our founders, we will leave behind a treasury of inspiration for future generations. Institutions are not built by bricks and mortar alone, but by vision, values, and dedication.
Today, India is on its way to becoming a Vishwaguru—a leader of the world. Education will play the most decisive role in realizing the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047 envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Education will make us self-reliant, globally competitive, and at the same time, safeguard our values and culture.
The life of Shri N. J. Yasaswy teaches us that if education becomes the foundation of nation-building, no power on earth can stop India from leading the world.
On this occasion, I warmly congratulate ICFAI University, Dehradun, and the authors of this book—Shri V. Pattabhi Ram and Shri Sudhakar Rao—for capturing the extraordinary life of Shri Yasaswy in words, creating a timeless treasure for generations. I am confident that this book will serve as a source of inspiration not only for educationists and students but for society at large.
In conclusion, I would say that “First. Forever.” is not just a book—it is an eternal saga of education. It inspires us to dedicate our own lives to the service of society and the nation.
The life of Shri N. J. Yasaswy stands as living proof that true nation-building is possible only through education. Let us all embrace his ideals and move forward in the journey of building a Viksit Bharat.
Jai Hind!