China and Pakistan should not take India’s `patience’ as its `weakness’: Gen JJ Singh

By Punjabnewswire4u

AMRITSAR, FEB 17

 Former Indian Army Chief and Governor Arunachal Pradesh Gen (Rtd) JJ Singh today said though war is not likely with China in near future, India must keep modernizing and strengthening its defence mechanism as a formidable `deterrent’. He said Budhism, the `religion of peace’ travelled from India to China and there exists ample opportunity that India and China resolve border issues peacefully but India must stay prepared for any eventuality.

 Gen Singh said this while talking to media persons during 107^th annual Convocation of historic Khalsa College Amritsar (KCA) here. He bestowed 450 degrees to College students in presence of Punjab Secretary, Higher Education, Mr. Chander Gaind, Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) President, Mr. Satyajit Singh Majithia, Vice- President Mr. Charanjit Singh Chadha, honourary secretary Mr. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina. He said India must take up development of border areas, update intelligence network to deal with hostile neighbors including China and Pakistan.

 He said the present century belongs to Asia and China and India must work together as most powerful nations of this continent. ``We have shared history of peaceful co-existence despite border tensions in 1960s. There are ample opportunities that issues pending are resolved peacefully’’, said Singh. Quoting that `strength begets respect’ he however said that the ongoing modernization of Indian defence forces must continue with full vigour.

 He said China and Pakistan must also understand that `patience’ of India is not its `weakness’ and it is capable of defending its borders. During his inspirational Convocation address, he stressed on modernization of education and female literacy. ``If we teach girls they would be educated mothers and create an aware society to the benefit of mankind’’, said he as young students broke into applauds. He also expressed concerns over rising trend of drugs addiction in Punjab, especially in border areas and sought corrective measures from government and society itself through awareness regarding the menace.

 He also sought educational exchange programs of Khalsa College and Guru Nanak Dev University with Arunachal Pradesh. Gen.JJ Singh was earlier welcomed by Mr. Majithia, Mr. Chadha and Mr. Chhina and KCA Principal Dr.Daljit Singh on his arrival at the function. Gaind who addressed students also highlighted the programs of Punjab government and how students must adopt professional approach in life. He said the lessons that the students have learnt would go long way in making their successful human beings. Earlier Gen JJ Singh was so overwhelmed on seeing grandeur College building that he announced he if he had the option to born again, he would like to study at  prestigious Khalsa College Amritsar.

Mr.Majithia welcomed in his address saying how nation was proud on the ability of Gen.Singh who was the first Sikh General of Independent India and an inspiration of the youth. Dr.Daljit Singh read out annual progress report of College highlighting achievements in academics, extra-curricular activities and sports. The outstanding students were given gold medals and merit certificates. Mr.Chhina later said in his Vote of Thanks that the students were lucky to have received degrees from such a highly decorated soldier who rose to the pinnacle of glory in his career from humble beginning.

 KCA also honoured Mr.Chhina and Dr.Santokh Singh for their contributions to the KCGC and society at large. KCGC Additional honourary secretary SS Kathunangal, joint secretaries Ajmer Sigh Heir, SS Abdal, SS Mannan, Nirmal Singh, Harminder Singh, Rajbir Singh, Principal, Khalsa College of Education Dr.JS Dhillon, Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology, Dr.Amarpal Singh, Principal, Khalsa College of Education (Ranjit Avenue) Dr.Surinderpal Kaur Dhillon, Principal, Khalsa College Chawinda Devi, Dr.Baljinder Singh Singh were present.