‘Need to prevent outflow of skills, resources’
SHILLONG: Governor K.K. Paul on Tuesday observed that most of the universities in the country, except for the few selected ones, do not make the cut neither in terms of international prestige nor standings.
“The time has come to remedy the situation. Here, it may be necessary to reflect on the state of higher education in the country as a whole. A convocation meeting runs the risk of becoming a mere ritual, if it does not elicit some amount of soul searching. Such an exercise, may also remind use of the newer challenges facing the four-decade-old university,” Paul said while delivering his address at the 22nd Convocation of NEHU here.
In this message to the University, the Governor said that NEHU has to consolidate its position in its chosen areas of competency.
“It has to offer its expertise and leadership in fields such as environmental studies, bio-diversity, languages, tribal and cultural studies, which are of interest to the region. Such being the case, the University would draw more scholars and this again will enhance its position and standing,” the Governor, who is also the Chief Rector of the University, said.
While stating that the courses and syllabi offered by the University has to be fine tuned to this end, the Governor said that NEHU can think of creating such linkages by offering courses to ensure the growth of the service sector since Meghalaya is not a manufacturing hub.
“The University will have to establish linkages with research institutions and corporate houses for better placements. In such an event, the youth of the region need not be constrained to travel outside. This will help to prevent outflow of skills and resources,” he observed.
He also noted that the University will have to develop infrastructures with the help of modern planning and technology. “There should be an optimum utilization of facilities. The benefits arising from compactness and smart-city strategies must be understood and followed. An energy efficient, green and wifi enabled campus with a low carbon-foot print can become a reality, if suitable steps are taken this direction,” the Governor said.
He, however, observed that it is estimated that in the next five years, the higher education segment in the country is going to take into its fold, a population growth that may be higher in size, than even some countries.
He pointed out that in order to harness the ingenuity and industry of young India that values quality and aspires to scale greater heights, the educational institutions must change and move with the times.
“Curriculum planners must draw up designs that are not only more relevant and job oriented, but also futuristic. This will ensure better and ready employability. Besides, the students need to be encouraged to explore their own creativity, instead of reproducing received knowledge,” the Governor said.
Apart from the Governor, other dignitaries who were present on the occasion included NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Shukla, Chancellor Prof. Andre Beteille, Pro- Vice-Chancellor (Shillong Campus) Prof. B. Myrboh and Pro- Vice-Chancellor (Tura Campus) Prof. Eugene D. Thomas.
A total of 10,547 candidates, including 2857 in person and 7690 in absentia, received their degrees during the convocation.
127 candidates were conferred PhD, five were conferred M.Phil degree, while 1039 post graduates and 9376 bachelors including gold medal winners, received their degrees on Tuesday.