Raju advocates for more emphasis on science
SHILLONG: Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Dr MM Pallam Raju has called for the need to create linkages between industries and educational campus to propel development of science.
“We need to build small linkages between academics and industry so that there is interdependence and transfer of knowledge between the two. The linkages between these two will propel education and development of science,” the Union Minister said while speaking at the inaugural function of the golden jubilee of teaching science in Shillong College on Friday.
The Minister also spoke on the need to create alternative medium for those students who might not have any interest in science.
“I am sure that they (students) have flair for certain skills. We have to create an environment to drag them to that form of science which would motivate them in their livelihood,” Raju said, while adding that with this objective the Centre is trying to strengthen the number of polytechnics and ITIs across the country.
The Minister also spoke about community colleges which would cater to the needs of industries in particular areas like manufacturing establishments or service industries. “We have granted around five to six community colleges in the North East region. I am sure this region would take advantage of these community colleges,” he said.
Pointing out that science is the life stream for the development of humanity and progress of mankind, Raju said, “We need to take note of the new inventions in science and technology for our own benefit and for enhancing our quality of life.”
“Science is enhancing its applications in every sphere whether it is music, education, research, medicine, sports and in many different ways,” he said, adding that the young population in India today is fortunate to benefit from various developments in the field of science and technology.
Stating that the country is fortunate to have a huge chunk of the young population, the Minister said that this is a demographic dividend in the country which needs to be tapped.
Informing about his interaction with the young population during his visit to various education institutions, Raju said he has found that the young population are more conscious due to their exposure to technology from around the world.
“It is important for the Government and society at large to think what more can be done for this generation and how to empower them not only for their individual career but also to help them to gain greater heights,” Raju said.
On the upgradation of the laboratories in various colleges in the region, he informed that the Department of Science and Technology has sanctioned funds for 60 colleges in the region to upgrade the laboratory facilities.
“During the 11th Five Year Plan, we came up with five Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research across the country. I happened to visit a few of the institutes and I am happy to see the enthusiasm among the students in these institutes. This is a great sign of the evolving atmosphere in the campuses in the university and colleges,” he said.
The Union HRD Minister also congratulated Shillong College for reaching the golden milestone of science teaching in the college.
“I hope that this premier institution would achieve many more milestones,” he said.
Giving a brief history of science teaching in the college, Principal of Shillong College, Dr KD Ramsiej, informed that the college had started the Science stream on July 23, 1963.
“Since then, the college has made steady progress in imparting higher education in all areas to the aspiring students from all sections of the society,” Dr Ramsiej said.
Dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Education Prof RC Laloo, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and former principal of Shillong College MPR Lyngdoh among others.