Don Bosco Arts & Science College (Co-Education)
“Ad Astra per Aspera” – Through Hardships to the Stars
Campus Minister
Rev. Fr. Oswalt Devadass, SDB
Campus Minister
The famous statement of Nelson Mandela is displayed at the entrance gate of a university in South Africa for contemplation: “Destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long-range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students.”
Patients die at the hands of such doctors.
Buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers.
Money is lost in the hands of such economists & accountants.
Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars.
Justice is lost at the hands of such judges…”
The collapse of education is the collapse of a nation.” For college students, this quote serves as a powerful reminder of their role in shaping the future of their nation through their commitment to education and integrity.
As college students, you are invited often to focus on personal success and career goals, but this quote challenges students to consider your broader impact on society. It suggests that the quality of our education and our commitment to academic honesty are not just personal matters – they are vital to the strength and stability of our nation.
Lowering the quality of education doesn’t just mean receiving a subpar education ourselves; it means contributing to a collective decline in knowledge, skills, and critical thinking across our country. This can weaken our nation’s ability to innovate, solve problems, and compete globally. As future leaders, professionals, and citizens, our dedication to learning and academic rigor directly influences the future trajectory of our nation.
Similarly, the issue of cheating in examinations strikes at the heart of our ethical responsibility as students. When we cheat, we undermine the integrity of our education system and diminish the value of our accomplishments. More importantly, we perpetuate a culture where shortcuts replace hard work and honesty. This erodes trust in our academic institutions and diminishes our collective reputation.
Therefore, as college students, you have the dual responsibility: to pursue your education with diligence and dedication, striving not only for personal success but also for the betterment of our society. By upholding academic integrity and advocating for educational excellence, we contribute to a strong foundation upon which our nation can thrive. Let us embrace this responsibility with seriousness and determination, knowing that our choices today will shape the future of our nation tomorrow.”