Mangaluru, Jun 17: Research must occupy centre-stage in the intellectually stimulating and continually recharging environment of universities. It is not a luxury but necessity, for it is an elixir that fuels enormous energy and instincts and enriches the intellectual life of a university in a unique way, said renowned scientist and National Research Professor at School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad Prof Goverdhan Mehta.
Delivering the convocation address at the 33rd Annual Convocation of Mangalore University held at Mangala Auditorium, Mangalagangothri on Wednesday, he said that although providing and ensuring quality education was the primary responsibility of the university, the breakneck speed of the expansion phase during the past decade had severely compromised their ability to maintain and enhance quality. Endemic shortage of faculty and learning resources, mindless proliferation of courses, dwindling infrastructure, inadequate budgetary support, indifferent leadership and governance deficit had a crippling effect on quality education for students. If not remedied, this quality deficit may have serious socio-economic consequences and compromise the lives and aspirations of the young generation, he pointed.
Speaking about the contradictions and paradoxes in India, Prof Mehta said that India ranked high on the list of billionaires in the world but ranked 136th in the UN human development index.
“We are projected to have the largest English speaking population in the world but are home to a majority of world’s illiterates. Our country is considered food sufficient and yet, we top in the world hunger index. This Indian panorama is paradoxical and reflects our formidable strengths as well as vulnerable underbelly. Despite being a young and aspiring nation committed an enviable civilizational and cultural heritage, there is poverty, unemployment, corruption and violence and our tendency to put personal or sectarian interests before national interests. This paradox needs to be resolved by the young generation if we are to emerge as an inclusive, sustainable and innovation-led nation,” he said.
At the convocation ceremony, a total of 88 Doctor of Philosophy degrees were awarded including 11 in Arts, 63 in Science, 9 in Commerce and 5 in Education streams, while a total of 37 gold medals and 63 cash prizes were awarded to candidates.
During the convocation, Prof Goverdhan Mehta was conferred with an honorary D.Sc. degree while eminent educationist Prof B V R Chowdari and Mumbai-based industrialist, philanthropist and entrepreneur Shashi Kiran Shetty were conferred with honorary D.Litt. degrees.
After a gap of 16 years, chief guest on the occasion Prof Goverdhan Mehta, received his honorary degree at the same convocation.
Governor of Karnataka and Chancellor of Mangalore University Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala declared the Annual Convocation open and presided over the occasion.
Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University Prof K Byrappa, and members of the Syndicate and the academic council were present on the occasion. Prof K Byrappa presented a brief report on the academic performance and activities of the university.
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