President asks varsities to concentrate on basic research & innovations
Hyderabad, April.26 : Expressing concern that Indian universities were lagging far behind in basic research and innovation, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday stressed the imperative need for universities to lay more stress on basic research and innovations that would go a long way in the overall industrial growth in the country. The President quoted country’s first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad emphasizing the need for research, innovation and interaction with the society and said the universities cannot live in isolation.
The President was speaking at the inauguration of centenary celebrations of the Osmania University on the campus premises. Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, Union Minister of State for Labour Bandaru Dattatraya, TRS MP K. Keshav Rao, Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan were present at the grand inaugural function attended by over 20,000 invitees.
Pointing out that Osmania University was established 100 years ago by then VII Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan with a vision, President Mukherjee said, today the university has earned a name for itself for its academic excellence all over the world. Recalling the history of the advent of universities in the country, Pranab said the establishment of IITs was a revolutionary step in the field of education. Many IITs have achieved 100 percent placements for the students. Today many top and eminent persons all over the world are from various IITs of the country, he observed.
The President pointed out that the universities were lagging behind in basic research and called upon the faculty members and students to concentrate on basic research and innovations that would supplement in the industrial growth in the country. While congratulating the Osmania University for achieving the landmark of 100 years, he hoped that the university would achieve many more milestones in the future. He said the university witnessed momentous changes in these 100 years, including the two world wars, country’s independence and formation of Telangana State. Saying that state funding of the higher institutes of learning is not possible to the extent required, he called upon industry to come forward. He said the industry should have interface with universities.
Earlier, the President lighted a lamp to mark the inauguration of the year-long centenary celebrations. He also switched on the centenary pylon. Governor Narasimhan released the centenary souvenir brought out in three languages. Vice-Chancellor S. Ramachandram welcoming the guests explained that today 20,000 students study in various courses in the university of whom nearly 5,000 are from foreign students from 87 countries pursuing their higher studies. The Vice Chancellor said the university had over one crore alumni and many of them were contributing to the well-being of society.
Police made elaborate security arrangements to foil any attempt by student groups to disrupt the celebrations.
The President was speaking at the inauguration of centenary celebrations of the Osmania University on the campus premises. Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, Union Minister of State for Labour Bandaru Dattatraya, TRS MP K. Keshav Rao, Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan were present at the grand inaugural function attended by over 20,000 invitees.
Pointing out that Osmania University was established 100 years ago by then VII Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan with a vision, President Mukherjee said, today the university has earned a name for itself for its academic excellence all over the world. Recalling the history of the advent of universities in the country, Pranab said the establishment of IITs was a revolutionary step in the field of education. Many IITs have achieved 100 percent placements for the students. Today many top and eminent persons all over the world are from various IITs of the country, he observed.
The President pointed out that the universities were lagging behind in basic research and called upon the faculty members and students to concentrate on basic research and innovations that would supplement in the industrial growth in the country. While congratulating the Osmania University for achieving the landmark of 100 years, he hoped that the university would achieve many more milestones in the future. He said the university witnessed momentous changes in these 100 years, including the two world wars, country’s independence and formation of Telangana State. Saying that state funding of the higher institutes of learning is not possible to the extent required, he called upon industry to come forward. He said the industry should have interface with universities.
Earlier, the President lighted a lamp to mark the inauguration of the year-long centenary celebrations. He also switched on the centenary pylon. Governor Narasimhan released the centenary souvenir brought out in three languages. Vice-Chancellor S. Ramachandram welcoming the guests explained that today 20,000 students study in various courses in the university of whom nearly 5,000 are from foreign students from 87 countries pursuing their higher studies. The Vice Chancellor said the university had over one crore alumni and many of them were contributing to the well-being of society.
Police made elaborate security arrangements to foil any attempt by student groups to disrupt the celebrations.