Address
by the president of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of
launch of imprint India on the second day of Visitor’s Conference
Good
Morning!
1. I
extend a warm welcome to you all who are here to attend the first-ever
Visitor’s Conference. In the past, I have had the occasion to meet many of you
during the different conferences organized at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and
convocations at your institutes. This is, however, the first time that as
Visitor, I am meeting you all together. As mentioned by my Secretary, the
outcomes of the previous conferences have given us the confidence that the
institutes of higher learning, if they come together, can make a difference in
a short span of time to higher education sector in our country. With this
shared belief, we are here today.
2. I
thank Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for his gracious presence.
His enchanting speech and inspiring words, I have no doubt, will set the tone
for the deliberations during the Conference. I take this opportunity to also
place on record my appreciation for Shrimati Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister for
Human Resource Development. By steering various initiatives with purpose and
energy, she has taken forward the education sector.
3. I
compliment the Prime Minister and the HRD Minister for the just-launched
programme of IMPRINT, a Pan IIT and IISc initiative. The ten themes of this
programme identifying the immediate requirements of the society will lay down
the research roadmap for institutes of national importance. I call upon the
academic leaders of institutes in social sector and humanities’ domain to
formulate a similar joint initiative for conducting research on themes of
relevance to public policy-making.
4. Distinguished
Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is true that the past ten years have seen
a vast expansion of the higher education infrastructure. However, low Gross
Enrolment Ratio (GER) at 21 percent in India as against the world average of 27
percent remains a cause for concern. A New Education Policy is being
formulated. I am told that a process of consultation has commenced on 13 themes
for school education and 20 themes for higher education. The new policy must alter
the dynamics of the education sector and help us achieve the GER target of 30
percent by 2020, a goal we cannot afford to miss.
5. At
the altar of expansion, quality should not be sacrificed. Greater number of
institutions translates into greater number of seats, enhancing access and
equity in higher education. However, it has generated a lively debate on reach
versus excellence, quality versus affordability, and accountability versus
autonomy. A calm assessment will make it clear to all stakeholders that we need
both reach and excellence, quality and affordability, and autonomy with
accountability.
6. Increasing
access in higher education through digital inclusion is a way forward. We
should, without delay, think of taking modified MOOCs to the secondary
education level. To skill India, we must design MOOCs that is interactive and
offer vocational aspirants an opportunity to learn. This could revolutionize
delivery of skills knowledge.
7. Distinguished
participants: An institute of higher learning finds its real value by
excelling in education, research and innovation. This calls for faculty
development and augmentation of teaching resources across the board. This calls
for inspired teachers, keen-to-learn students, and good physical and research
infrastructure. This also calls for a reliable and extensive ICT network. Some
encouraging developments in the recent past, that I can recall are:
(i) Intensification
of exchange of faculty through formal arrangements with foreign institutions:
In addition to the MOUs that must have been signed by various institutions of
higher learning, over 80 MOUs with 50 overseas institutions have been signed
during my visits abroad in the last two years. This demonstrates the interest
and potential for collaboration with international institutions.
(ii) Removal
of bottlenecks and simplification of procedures for filling up faculty
positions;
(iii) Engagement
of adjunct faculty and hiring of foreign experts - the Global Initiative for
Academic Networks (GIAN) is a welcome step aimed at tapping the global pool of
talented scientists and entrepreneurs. By encouraging their engagement with Indian
institutes, we can augment our country’s academic resources.
8. Distinguished
participants: It is good to see research moving centre-stage in our
institutes of higher learning. This will in near future help us meet the need
for good faculty. A recent example is IIT Delhi, which has awarded 221 PhDs
this year, the highest in a year so far. It has resolved to increase this
number to 400 in the next few years. Such initiatives will not only lead to
higher research quotient for the nation but also improve rankings of the
institutions.
9. Earlier
not a single Indian institution came within the top 200 institutions in
international rankings. It seems that my persistent exhortation has paid off.
Many of you have responded to my call. I am grateful for that. Our institutions
are now taking the ranking process more seriously, in a proactive and
systematic manner. In the QS World University Rankings 2015-16, Indian
institutions have broken into the top 200 for the first time. I compliment
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, which is ranked 147th and
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, ranked 179th, for this
achievement. If we provide enough funds to top 10-20 institutions for next 4-5
years, we will soon see them storm into the top 100.
10. The
National Institutional Ranking Framework launched by the Ministry of HRD with
an India-centric approach is a step in the right direction. This initiative
should enable Indian institutes of higher learning to realize their potential
and emerge as world-class institutions.
11. Ladies
and Gentlemen: Knowledge is indivisible. We must follow a
multi-disciplinary approach that allows students to learn and seek knowledge
holistically. Our institutions must impart education to the students that
help expand their intellect, form their character, instill in them a spirit of
service and love for the motherland. It must equip them to face the struggle of
real life. It must deepen the students’ linkage with society. It is also
necessary to develop in our students a scientific temper, which allows the
flight of imagination beyond the realm of grades and classrooms. Promotion of
research at the under-graduate level would assist such an objective.
12. Distinguished participants: The link between progress
and innovation is direct. History is witness to many nations low on natural
resources emerging as advanced economies only on the strength of rapid
technological development. India today stands within a striking distance
of realizing the dreams of the founding fathers of our nation. Indian youth are
second to none in entrepreneurship. India serves as the fastest growing
start-up base worldwide and stands third with 4,200 start-ups, next only to US
and UK. The government has initiated the ‘Start-up India, Stand-up India’
campaign to incentivize entrepreneurial ventures. Heads of institutes of higher
learning must work towards creating an innovation and research network that
will produce entrepreneurs and nurture innovations. The setting up of
Innovation Clubs in over 60 Central institutions in the last two years is a
good beginning for a platform where novel ideas can be nurtured and innovators
mentored to develop new products.
13. In
response to the decision taken in the conference of vice chancellors of central
universities in 2014, industry interface cells have been set up in many
institutions. These cells are now lending vigour to activities like joint
research, faculty exchange, and setting up of chairs and endowments. These
cells can also interact closely with innovation incubators for monetizing ideas
and research. The 45 MOUs signed with the industry yesterday takes to next
level the partnership between industry and academia.
14. Ladies
and Gentlemen: Academic institutions are an important stakeholder for the
socio-economic development of the nation. I had earlier asked central
universities and NITs to adopt at least five villages and transform them into
model villages. I now extend my call to all the 114 central institutions. After
identifying problems in the adopted villages, they must pool all academic and
technical resources at their disposal to provide solutions that will enhance
the quality of life of our countrymen.
15. As
we start the deliberations in this Conference, I assure you of an exciting
journey ahead in the world of education. Be ready for roadblocks, criticisms,
failures and successes. But continue to work with a fresh and positive mind. Do
take heart from what Mahatma Gandhi had said, and I quote: "First they
ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”
(unquote). And win you shall.
Thank
you.
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