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Shekhawat asks varsities to encourage research

Special Correspondent

Addresses 17th convocation of Pondicherry University

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

CONVOCATION: Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat presenting a medal to a graduate at the 17th convocation of Pondicherry University on Saturday. (From left) Vice-Chancellor A.K. Bhatnagar, Lt. Governor Mukut Mithi and Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan.

Puducherry: The Vice-President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, has urged the universities to promote research in subjects having far reaching effect on improving the quality of life of the people. Presenting the address at the 17th convocation at the Pondicherry University at Kalapet near here on Saturday, the Vice-President said that presently only 7 per cent of the country's youth in the age group of 17 to 23 years got a chance for higher education. Enrolment in science was less than 20 per cent, while in Engineering and Technology it was 6.6 per cent and in Medicine only 3.3 per cent.

"We must make all efforts to increase enrolment in these faculties," he pointed out.

The encouragement of research would certainly help in increasing number of patents registered for research in science, engineering and medicine.

Stressing the need for redefining the growth strategy, Mr. Shekhawat, who is also Chancellor of the University, said, "we should make development inclusive of all sections of society. The growth should not merely mean percentage increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It should mean real economic enlistment of the common man and we need growth with equity which bridged the gap between the rich and the poor," he noted.

"As a developing nation with a sub-optimal Human Development Index ranking of 126, we are still grappling with problems of poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy and disease."

Stating that about 26 crore of the population still lived below poverty line and over three crore people remaining unemployed, he said that rural incomes had dwindled and farm households had become more prone to stress and insecurity.

The Vice-President said that problem of farmers' suicides was a matter of grave anxiety that called for rejuvenation of agriculture and taking up of programmes for integrated rural development.

Universities could play an effective role to make the poor aware of their fundamental rights and also to educate the society and the authorities of the State about their obligation towards working for empowerment of the poor.

Mr. Shekhawat appealed to the youth to play an effective role in the "mission for population stabilisation." The Vice-President earlier declared open the premises of the Department of Mathematics on arrival at the university.

Vice-Chancellor A.K. Bhatnagar welcomed the gathering and presented a report highlighting the growth of the university, which celebrated its 20th anniversary recently. A total of 11,774 candidates were admitted to various degrees. They included candidates passing out of the Distance Education mode. A total of 157 candidates were presented prizes and medals on the occasion. Lt. Governor and Chief Rector of the University Mukut Mithi, the Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan and Members of Parliament V. Narayanasamy and M. Ramadoss were among those present.

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