Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has issued a firm message to students regarding their personal conduct and responsibilities in relationships. Speaking during a convocation ceremony at the Maharishi University of Information Technology in Lucknow on Thursday, the Governor advised young men to be cautious and to refrain from actions that could lead to underage pregnancies and the subsequent abandonment of partners.
Addressing the students and faculty in attendance, Governor Patel clarified that she was not opposed to the concept of dating. However, she emphasized that individuals should only enter into romantic commitments if they are prepared to honor their promises. She urged young people to focus on becoming financially self-reliant before contemplating marriage or starting a family, arguing that it is essential to have the capacity to support a partner before committing to life together.
“I am not opposed to having a girlfriend,” the Governor remarked during her address. “But, when you have a girlfriend and promise her that you will marry her, then fulfil that promise. Generate some income, become capable of supporting and taking care of her. Become so self-reliant that you can marry her after that. But, at such a young age of 13-14 years, you make her pregnant and throw her. This should not happen.”
The Governor’s comments come as part of her ongoing engagement with the state’s university system. Serving as the Chancellor of state universities, Patel has been a frequent presence at various academic institutions across Uttar Pradesh. In recent months, she has conducted visits to university campuses to inspect facilities, including hostels and mess halls, while also providing guidance to students on social and personal matters.
This is not the first time Governor Patel has spoken on the topic of relationships and youth conduct at educational events. In October 2025, while attending a convocation at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi, she expressed concern over the growing trend of live-in relationships and advised students to remain cautious. Similarly, during an event at Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University in July, she discussed the societal challenges posed by young couples eloping without the means to support a family, questioning who would bear the responsibility for children born into such circumstances.
Beyond her advice on interpersonal relationships, the Governor has consistently used her platform at universities to encourage students to prioritize their education and future careers. She has previously urged women students to balance their academic and professional ambitions with family responsibilities. During her address in July, she remarked on the importance of women excelling in their chosen fields, such as teaching or the civil services, while also emphasizing the significance of their roles within the family structure.
At the Lucknow event on Thursday, the Governor encouraged the student body to steer clear of wrongdoing and to actively discourage others from engaging in harmful behavior. As the Chancellor, her interventions in university affairs have spanned various areas, from the quality of infrastructure and construction at institutes to the dietary habits and daily routines of students residing on campuses. Her recent remarks in Lucknow serve as a continuation of her efforts to provide guidance to youth on navigating societal pressures and individual accountability.
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