By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil was not scheduled to deliver a speech on the occasion of inauguration of People’s Group Scientific Research Centre here on Sunday.
However, everyone was taken by surprise when after inaugural function was over, the President Mrs. Patil took the mike from function’s compere and started airing her exalted views on the importance of constant research in the fields of science and technology. The audience had stood up to leave but when people saw the President wielding the mike, they settled down in their seats once again and listened to her with rapt attention.
President Mrs Pratibha Patil at the dedication ceremony of People’s Group Scientific Research Centre
The President said that she was greatly impressed by efforts made by People’s Group in this connection. She said that institutions like this group were the need of the hour as much more research had to be done in the field of science and technology. She was of the view that government alone could not solve country’s problems but other institutions would also have to come forward to lend a helping hand to the government.
The President was pleased to know that People’s General Hospital has provided free medicare to lakhs of patients during five years of its existence. She hoped that these pious efforts would continue in future also.
The Scientific Centre is equipped with all the facilities of research and study in the fields of life science and biomedical science. Specific research work would be undertaken at the centre on checking and curbing genetic disorders and consultation regarding them, stem cell technology, immunology, biochemical etc. About 25 researchers can simultaneously work at the research centre. Research work on Bhopal gas tragedy can also be undertaken.
At the outset of the function, chairman of People’s Group Suresh N. Vijayvargiya presented bouquets to President Mrs. Pratibha Patil, Governor Dr Balram Jakhar, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Health Education Minister Dr. Gauri Shankar Shejwar. People’s Group trustees and office-bearers its various units also welcomed President’s husband Devi Singh Shekhawat. The President also inspected an exhibition set up on the occasion.
Meanwhile, earlier in the morning President Mrs. Patil inaugurated the new building of Bhoj (Open) University. Madhya Pradesh Governor Dr. Balram Jakhar, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and President’s husband Devi Singh were especially present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion President Mrs. Patil said that education plays the most important role in nation building. It can transform the lives of the poor and resourceless families. It is education that grooms worthy and dedicated citizens.
 University building in Bhopal on Sunday.gif)
President Mrs Pratibha Patil at the inauguration of Bhoj (Open) University building in Bhopal on Sunday
Mrs. Patil stressed the need for imparting knowledge and skill to the youths to enable them to get employment. In this age of technology there is need for more and more educated and well-trained personnel. Our universities, especially open universities can play an important role in this by providing latest technology based education. This calls for serious effort. Private and commercial sectors expect the universities to produce young manpower to meet their requirements, she added.
Referring to the achievements of the country in education sector since Independence Mrs. Patil said that education has produced such a talented human capital in the country that is taking the country forward in every field. The country is playing a pioneering role in world economy and IT sector.
The President said that the 11th Five Year Plan has attached highest importance to higher education as part of the efforts to achieve inclusive growth. Laying special stress on women education she said that women living in far-off areas might be educated through distance education, thereby integrating them with development process.
The President underlined the expansion of distance education over the years in the country and said that it is playing a very important role in spread of education in rural areas. She stressed the need for extending the higher education network to backward, rural and far-flung areas.
The Governor Dr. Balram Jakhar said that education refines man and creates a sense of responsibility towards society, country and the globe. He said that the government and society should make united efforts to check commercialization of education.
The Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh would log lag behind in making its contribution to make India a highly educated nation. The state government is discharging its responsibilities with regard to education with utmost sincerity. The efforts to improve quality of higher education would continue.
The Minister for Higher Education Anup Mishra referred to the commercialization of education and politicization of the campus and said that efforts should be made to put an end to this. He urged the President for an initiative for a new policy on education at national level.
Vice Chancellor of the Bhoj (Open) University Dr. Kamlakar Singh delivered the welcome address and Registrar proposed a vote of thanks. ([email protected])