PANAJI: Stressing on the need to prepare graduates for a competitive global economy, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that a mechanism is required in our higher education system to promote competitiveness and he called for adoption of global best practices to raise the standard of education in the country.
“We have to impart quality education in our institutions. This will call for adoption of global best practices for world-class academic management. Our institutions have to work relentlessly towards excellence. They have to provide the best of amenities to their academic community,” said Mukherjee while speaking at the 29th convocation of the Goa University, held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao.
Mukherjee was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D Litt) degree by Governor and Goa University Chancellor Mridula Sinha at the university convocation function.
Indicating that Indian universities lack in research and development, Mukherjee urged students and the faculty members to adapt to the developing technological knowledge. He also appealed to the universities to have an alliance with IT-enabled platforms like MOOC and knowledge networks.
“A strong research eco-system has to be built on the plank of institutional collaborations, research parks and talented researchers. There also has to be a close link between Indian universities and industries,” he said.
Praising Goa University’s ‘The Visiting Research Professorship Programme,’ Mukherjee said, “The Visiting Research Professorship Programme has brought some of India’s brightest minds here during its last four years. It has made the knowledge and wisdom of these experts available to the students as well as members of the public. I wish the programme great success in the years ahead.”
Congratulating the girl students for outshining the boys at the convocation ceremony, he said that women’s empowerment through education will have a positive impact on future generation. “I was also happy to see that girl students outshone the boys when prizes were being distributed. It is important that young women, particularly those belonging to marginal sections gain increased access to the portals of colleges and universities,” he said.
A total of 56 research scholars were conferred/awarded with Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) at the hands of the Governor.
Appreciating and acknowledging the hard work of the researchers, Sinha urged them to carry forward India’s tradition, culture and family values while moving into professional life. “Core values in student’s life needs to be taken forward while moving ahead in the professional life” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-chancellor of Goa University Varun Sahni said that Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) will be introduced by the university at the undergraduate level from the academic year 2017-18.
“CBCS will be a vital first step in the direction of creating modular education packages. A fundamental objective is to allow each student to pursue his/her interests with passion and complete dedication,” said Sahni. He also said that the executive council of the university has approved the creation of a school of earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences out of the currently existing Department of Earth Science and Marine Science.