Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has urged young women to avoid live-in relationships, warning that such arrangements could expose them to exploitation and harm.
Addressing students at the 47th convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi, she said, “Daughters must think carefully before taking any decision and should stay away from live-in relationships and such circumstances which may lead to exploitation.” The remarks were shared in a statement issued by Raj Bhavan and cited by PTI.
The governor, who also serves as chancellor of state universities, expressed concern over the growing incidents of violence against women. She advised girl students to remain alert and make thoughtful choices in both personal and social matters, adding that awareness and self-respect were vital for safety.
Patel reminded students that education is not just about earning degrees. “Education is a means to bring change in life, not merely a tool to earn certificates,” she said, emphasizing discipline, moral responsibility, and patriotism.
Encouraging civic participation, she urged students to care for their hostels and campuses, participate in cleanliness drives for at least one hour weekly, and contribute positively to their surroundings.
Read more: Is Canada closing its doors on Indian students forever? 80% visas rejected in 2025
The governor also spoke about environmental balance, organic farming, and disaster management, warning that natural calamities were a direct result of human disruption. “We have disturbed the environment ourselves, and it is our responsibility to restore its balance,” she said.
She praised the university’s initiatives to promote education for the third gender and revealed that an MoU with Taiwan would soon be signed to strengthen academic collaboration. Earlier in the ceremony, Patel distributed 300 Anganwadi kits in Chandauli district and launched a commemorative souvenir along with an illustrated biography of the university’s founder, Shiv Prasad Gupta, titled Jhanki.
Anandiben Patel’s remarks highlight both moral and social concerns surrounding modern relationships and women’s safety. Her focus on self-awareness, education, and environmental care reflects a broader vision of responsibility among youth. While her comments may stir debate on personal freedom, they underline a call for cautious decision-making in an increasingly complex social landscape.
