Chief minister Mamata Banerjee urged the student community to work to eradicate poverty, social inequality, hunger and upheld the secular spirit of the Indian Constitution.

She was addressing the 4th convocation of St Xavier’s University at New Town this afternoon. She said “Work to remove hunger, poverty and social inequality. You should fight to establish the secular and democratic spirit of the Indian Constitution.”

Telling the students of their social responsibility she said, “You are bright boys and girls and today is a red letter day for you as you are entering into a bigger life. Wherever you are, always remember the poor and the downtrodden and it is your social responsibility to work for them.”

She urged the St Xavier’s University authorities to install a chair after Mother Teresa. “I was invited to attend the ceremony when sainthood was conferred on her at the Vatican. She is always in our hearts.”

Miss Banerjee was conferred honorary DLitt by the university authorities for her sustained flight to remove inequality and spread education among the masses. The citation given to her stated: “She had been constantly fighting against hunger and social inequality. She has worked for women empowerment and ensure their better standards of living.”

Accepting the honorary degree Miss Banerjee dedicated it to the “people of the state. I am of the people and for the people. It is they for whom I have tried to work throughout my life,” she maintained.

West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose said, “It was very appropriate to confer the honorary degree to a lady who is not only a politician but an author, a painter and above all a superb human being who always thinks for the hapless people.”

Father John Felix Raj, vicechancellor of the university had been inspiring the students to carry on with their research. He informed us that scholarships had been given to the needy and meritorious students.

The university has opened undergraduate and post-graduate courses in psychology and MSc in statistics.

Miss Banerjee inaugurated Layola Tirtha, an administrative building where the offices of the vice-chancellor, registrar and finance officer will be housed. She was made an honorary member of the alumni association.