Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

`Global thinking, commitment vital for solving problems of society'

Staff Reporter

Younger generation has to evolve with ignited brain and innovative mind: Thyagarajan

HAPPY ENDING: P. Pushpa, a visually challenged student of M.A. Tamil, receiving degree certificate from the Vice-Chancellor of Madras University S.P. Thyagarajan at the convocation of the PSG College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore on Saturday. At left is principal Sheela Ramachandran. - Photo: M. Periasamy

COIMBATORE: People with global thinking, universal outlook and commitment can help solve the problems of society and bring about a transformation, Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras, Chennai, S.P. Thyagarajan, said here on Saturday.

In his convocation address at the PSG College of Arts and Science, Prof. Thyagarajan said: "We require bold creativity and innovation, historically documented to have existed in the country. The younger generation has to evolve with ignited brain and innovative mind."

Latest developments

Policy planners, teachers, students and administrators in institutions of higher learning should work together so that young people kept abreast of the latest developments and built a knowledge society.

Universities were key institutions in changing society. They produced highly skilled labour, carried out research to meet economic needs, built institutions to suit the needs of civil society and encouraged new cultural values. When transforming society, it was necessary to `remove the old' and `build the new'. Rationalist knowledge, capitalist production, automated technology and bureaucratic governance integrated economies worldwide.

Democracy helped universities strengthen the forces of civil society. Ideas and innovations brought economic prosperity to countries.

Public funding

To develop the higher education system, nations often increased public funding for universities but this led to a reduction in the average expenditure on each student. This led public sector educational institutions to compromise on quality.

An international survey conducted in 2004 by the Centre for Higher Education Research & Information and the Association of Commonwealth Universities had found that nearly all universities had come under pressure to revamp the curriculum and provide quality assurance.

Twenty-five researchers from 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe; Sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa; Central Asia and Latin America had carried out the study.

A total of 898 students received their degree certificates.

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