'Become an Expert Mother First': UP Governor Anandiben Patel Says Career Success Should Not Come at the Cost of Family Values
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has sparked a fresh debate with her remarks on the role of women in balancing careers and family life. Addressing the 41st convocation ceremony at a university in Kanpur, she urged young women to prioritise becoming "expert mothers" while also pursuing successful professional careers.
Speaking to graduating students, parents and faculty members, Patel said that women should continue their education and remain professionally active even after marriage. However, she emphasised that career achievements should go hand in hand with family responsibilities.
"Whether you become an IAS officer or a teacher, first become an expert mother. Everyone should know how to cook the food prepared at home," she said, adding that education should strengthen both personal growth and family values.
The Governor also advised parents to remain actively involved in their children's lives, saying that constant guidance is essential even after children enter schools and colleges. According to her, neglecting parental supervision can have long-term consequences on a child's future.
During her address, Patel also raised concerns over drug abuse around educational institutions. She claimed that a monitoring team set up by the Raj Bhavan had detected narcotics allegedly being supplied near university hostels through food delivery containers. She said timely administrative action helped dismantle the network.
Highlighting the importance of value-based education, Patel said academic qualifications alone cannot measure the success of an education system. Referring to increasing crimes against women and incidents of domestic violence, she argued that moral values must receive equal importance alongside formal education.
The Governor's latest remarks come shortly after similar observations made during recent programmes in Uttar Pradesh, where she stressed women's health, maternal care, nutrition and the need for greater awareness on issues such as anaemia, menstruation and menopause. She had also directed universities to strengthen healthcare facilities for female students and introduce courses related to maternal well-being.
