Turn universities into centres of excellence: Guv

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 3

Seeking revival of India’s lost educational standards symbolised by ancient universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshila, Governor KK Paul today said the onus for turning present day universities into the highest centres of learning rested on students and academicians.

He was addressing a gathering during the inaugural session of the five-day Toppers’ Conclave which began at Raj Bhawan today.

The Governor said the Vice-Chancellors of state universities should take it up as a challenge to transform their institutions into centres of excellence. He said this event was much more than just a conference, seminar or workshop and thus had been named “conclave.” The conclave is claimed to be the first of its kind in the country.

The Governor said toppers would be given an environment which would help them play an active role in the development of the country. This would also help them emerge as role models for other students.

The event would stress upon highlighting their creativity, skills and knowledge and making them aware to cultural environment.

The Governor hoped that the participants would experience a positive change in their personalitie.

He said in today’s time, it was imperative that knowledge, research and innovation were all linked deeply.

The Governor said state universities should become the leaders for socio-economic development. Education should not remained confined to classrooms but should be extended for the betterment of society and the nation.

Missions like Swachh Bharat, Adarsh Gram, Digital India and Make in India should be linked with the activities of universities, so that they could play a role in all ambitious schemes of the Centre.

He said the aim of education was not just to create excellent minds but also to create individuals inclined to resolve challenges faced by society. He said knowledge should be used for nation building.

The Governor spoke about Panchari Neeti and said knowledge was wealth which nobody could steal and it grew on being shared with others. The Governor reminded the toppers that they were the best among the best and the state and country had great expectations from them.

He expressed hope that the conclave would provide a chance for the toppers to develop leadership qualities.

In the second session of the opening day, former Chief Secretary Dr RS Tolia spoke on good governance and public administration.

Kumaon University VC Prof Dhami threw light on the objectives of the conclave, giving inspirational messages to students.