PTC Web Desk:  Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has stirred discussion with her remarks on women's roles in society, saying that professional success should be matched by responsibility towards family life. Speaking at a university convocation in Kanpur, she urged young women to become "expert mothers" before aspiring to become IAS officers or teachers.

Her comments came while addressing students, parents and faculty members during the 41st convocation ceremony, where she spoke about education, family values and the importance of character in nation-building.

'Career and family should go hand in hand'

Addressing graduating students, Anandiben Patel encouraged women to continue their education and careers even after marriage. However, she stressed that professional achievements should not come at the cost of family responsibilities.

She said women should prepare themselves to become capable mothers while pursuing careers, adding that basic life skills, including cooking food at home, should not be overlooked.

According to the Governor, educated women play a crucial role not only in their families but also in the country's development, and therefore should continue using their knowledge and abilities after marriage.

Governor urges parents to stay involved

She also appealed to parents to remain actively involved in their children's lives even after they enter colleges and universities.

She said regular communication and supervision are essential, warning that even minor negligence can have a lasting impact on a child's future.

Expressing concern over drug abuse among young people, the Governor revealed that a monitoring team set up by the Raj Bhavan had uncovered cases in which narcotics were allegedly being supplied through food delivery containers near university hostels.

She said administrative intervention helped dismantle the network and stressed the need for continued vigilance to protect students.

'Education is more than degrees'

The UP Governor said the true purpose of education goes beyond earning degrees or securing high marks. Referring to the rise in crimes against women and incidents of domestic violence, she said such issues point to the need for stronger moral values alongside academic learning.

According to her, education should shape responsible citizens with integrity, compassion and social responsibility.

During the convocation, degrees were awarded to more than 1.07 lakh students. Women dominated the academic honours, securing nearly 82 per cent of all medals.

Priya Yadav, a BSc Agriculture graduate, received the Chancellor's Gold Medal along with four additional medals for securing the highest academic distinction.

Series of remarks on women's welfare

The Governor's latest comments follow a series of speeches in recent days focusing on women's education, health and financial independence.

Earlier this week, she urged universities to organise regular health check-ups for female students, promote awareness about nutrition, anaemia, menstrual health and maternal care, and introduce courses related to healthy pregnancy and maternal well-being.

At another university convocation in Lucknow, she advised students to become financially independent before getting married, saying that self-reliance should come before making major life decisions.