Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/92

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1875.—Honorable James Gibbs.
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course,it will not be spontaneously engaged in. If this be true, and I am inclined to think it is, Importance of gymnastic exercise. it behoves those who direct the course of education to provide some sort of gymnastic exercises to be undertaken as part of the system. His Excellency the Governor has just been visiting the Rajkumar College in Kattywar, and his account of the way in which the bodies as well as the minds of the young Chiefs are there trained is most cheering. Manly exercises form a part of the curriculum, and if such be necessary for Chiefs and Princes whose future lot will be one of comparative ease and affluence, how much more necessary is it for those who will have to buffet about the world for their living? I take this opportunity of venting these ideas because I feel sure, after more than a quarter of a century's experience, that on some change of this nature in the educational course depends the future health, and therefore the prosperity, of the natives of this country. Lifelong devotion to learning. There is another topic, one which has been before alluded to by those who have occupied this chair, that we do not find those who succeed in their educational career, and become our graduates, following up their education after they leave College. As I told the students at the Grant College a few days ago, they do not consider the important fact that their real education only then commences, that unless they are content simply to exist and do not desire to grow, they must ever continue 'apt to learn'! I am told that in some of the examinations in the higher grades the Examiners find men coming up time after time, and failing on each successive occasion more signally than before. Those who enter on the liberal professions and have to earn their bread by their skill, are obliged in some degree to keep pace with the times; but those who enter the service of the State are too apt to rest content with their lot and find, in their daily office routine sufficient for them. Let me warn all against leading such lazy lives. Take example from the late Dr. Bhau Daji; look what he has done for his country; how he studied its early history and its ancient languages, and gave the results of his enquiries to the scientific world; how he made deep research into the hidden mysteries of Sanskrit lore and culled therefrom additional benefits for his fellow countrymen! He studied and searched the past for the benefit of the present and future. Let all take example from this distinguished man's career, not the Medical graduate only, but the lawyer and the civil engineer. Looking at the records of old, both writings and buildings, we may indeed say, "there were giants in those days". Let it be the pride and satisfaction of