New Delhi Jan 22 PTI The Election Commission on Saturdayextended the ban on physical rallies and roadshows till January 31 but gave relaxation for physical public meetings of parties or contesting candidates for phase 1 from January 28 and for phase 2 from February 1The commission has also enhanced the limit of people allowed for door-to-door campaignInstead of five now 10 people excluding security personnel will be allowed for door-to door campaigns PTI NAB RHL

New Delhi Aug 25 PTI Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday pitched for giving youth equal time in classrooms and recreation grounds saying it will help tackle rising incidence of lifestyle diseasesHe also called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the Olympians who not only made the nation proud with their achievements but also generated widespread interest in various sportsUrging young people to work hard to achieve their goals Naidu said hard work never goes unrewarded and it will always yield positive resultsSo dont give up fight for your dreams and make a difference to the world he said virtually addressing the concluding ceremony of Diamond Jubilee commemorations of Shivaji College hereThe vice president said students should be allowed to spend equal time in classrooms and recreation groundsHe said participation in sports boosts confidence builds team spirit and improves physical fitness which was important to combat the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases an official statement saidSports should be made part of the curriculum and students must be encouraged to place equal emphasis on sports and other forms of physical activities he feltHighlighting the life-changing role teachers play in a students life Naidu emphasised that no matter how successful one becomes they should never forget the cardinal role of their teachers in shaping their livesThe values and teachings that the teachers impart help shape the life of an individual and the society at largeLearning is an endless yet fruitful journey in which both students and teachers advance together he notedThe vice president said apart from imparting quality education teachers must also inculcate in students the ability to face difficult situations with courage and equanimityHe emphasised that educational institutions must pay special attention to the emotional stress faced by students especially in the wake of the pandemicObserving that there is a huge potential for India to become a world leader in various technological domains given the demographic advantage and the presence of highly talented youth the vice president said we need to go beyond books and explore the experiential method of learning He observed that the experiential learning approach was followed in Gurukuls where students were taught by their gurus in a hands-on manner giving them practical experienceI feel the experiential method of learning which helps students think critically and creatively is the way forward and should be inculcated in our education system he addedAppreciating the unity shown by people during the Covid pandemic the vice president said from individuals to communities from voluntary organisations to state agencies everyone in India came forward to collectively overcome one of the severest challenges mankind has faced in recent timesThe vice president lauded the students of Shivaji College and the University of Delhi for taking initiatives to connect health emergency support providers with the affected people and their families during the second wave of the pandemicAsserting that helping one another during a crisis is the essence of our culture Naidu said he is glad that India as a community lived up to its ancient philosophy of share and care PTI NAB RHL