Meerut, July 21 -- Urging young graduates to become catalysts for change through research and innovation, UP governor Anandiben Patel on Monday called upon universities to strengthen ties with villages, farmers and rural communities, while emphasising that public officials must work in line with the government's vision rather than their own interpretations. Addressing the 19th convocation ceremony at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, the governor said graduates should adopt 'nation first' as their guiding principle. "The world has to change. Change yourself. Change the country. Conduct research on the problems affecting your region and work towards finding solutions. Your only mantra should be 'nation first.' When that spirit develops within you, you will undertake work that truly serves the nation," she said. She reminded medal-winning students that their achievements were rooted in the sacrifices of their parents, particularly those from farming families. She used the state government's Scooty Scheme for meritorious girl students to illustrate how policy implementation can diverge from the government's objectives. She said chief minister Yogi Adityanath had envisioned the scheme a year ago and made budgetary provisions for it, but officials failed to frame the necessary rules during the 2025-26 financial year. According to Patel, although funds were allocated again this year, officials introduced an eligibility condition restricting the benefit to girls scoring 90 per cent or above. "Who will receive these scooters? How many students score between 90 and 95 per cent in classes 10 and 12? Can daughters from villages, who often lack educational facilities, achieve that easily? If these conditions remain, the scooters will mostly go to the daughters of officials," she said....