At IP Univ, Saxena cites ‘personal attacks’, says must stay resilient amid challenges

New Delhi: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena on Thursday spoke about the challenges he encountered during his two-and-a-half-year tenure, claiming that despite facing numerous personal attacks, he remained committed to the city's development.
Addressing the gathering at the silver jubilee and foundation day celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Saxena said, "You have to be persistent and undeterred in your endeavours towards achieving your goals and contributing to the welfare of the people at large. Let us ensure this university remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change."
He added, "I would like to give my own example here. During my two-and-a-half-year tenure, many people tried a lot to stop me." Mentioning that even personal attacks were made against him, LG emphasised, "But when the goal is the well-being of Delhi and the people of Delhi, no such force can stop me."
He acknowledged the difficulties in making impactful societal decisions, noting, "You will be faced with unjustified criticism from every quarter that has vested interest in maintaining the status quo."
Saxena highlighted the university's evolution from its initial days in Kashmere Gate to its current status as a significant educational institution. "Today, with over 190 academic programmes across 40 disciplines and more than 90,000 students, this institution embodies the values of inclusivity, accessibility and academic rigour," he said, urging all stakeholders to contribute to this transformative initiative for ensuring that it sets benchmarks for higher education. "Unless you work hard to achieve what you are aiming to, you will not be able to pave the way ahead."
Praising GGSIPU's achievements, including its recognition through NAAC, NIRF and QS World rankings, Saxena noted, "Similarly, its engagement with the start-up ecosystem by way of equity-based agreements and Atal Incubation Centre has been noteworthy. Its research imprint has been increasing and global partnerships have borne fruits." He also mentioned the university's plans for an offshore campus in Guyana.
Saxena concluded by saying, "You also have the responsibility of contributing to the nation's progress and global standing in your own unique ways as this is what would distinguish you from the rest."