By TCN News,
Aligarh: Focusing on ‘Research for the Betterment of Human Society,’ different speakers talked about India’s myriad social and economic problems and the need for the Universities to focus on their solution through innovative research at the inaugural session of the two-day North Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet here on Monday.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest, Justice Markandey Katju, former Judge, Supreme Court and former Chairman, Press Council of India, underlined the fact that funding and attention to education is inadequate. The funds received by the universities have to be justified by addressing the pressing issues faced by the Indian masses, he said, adding, the quality of teachers needs to be raised.
Justice Markandey Katju addressing at the Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet
Appreciating the developmental works done by the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah, Justice Katju said AMU is an institution of international repute and he is fascinated to note that a large number of Indians in USA has an association with this age old institution and they have a powerful alumni association.
The issue of the autonomy of the universities also surfaced in the discussion. AMU VC Shah emphasized on adoption of modern methods of imparting knowledge. He also expressed concern that our resources are getting scarcer and scarcer. In this grim situation, there is an urgent need to conserve water, purify water and to also encourage research in Nanotechnology, he said.
Guest of honour, Lt Gen S S Mehta, former Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), also focused on the need of research to confront various problems in India. Making a fine distinction between national security and national defense, he identified six threats to India’s security: “water, energy, health and education not enabling our youths to get employment.”
Gen. Mehta also urged upon the educationists and students to focus on communication skills, which are needed in all walks of life, a release from Dr Rahat Abrar, AMU’s public relations officer, said.
A grouping of Vice Chancellors of different universities at the North Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet
The other guest of honour, Prof Furqan Qamar, secretary general, Association of Indian Universities, exhorted that the universities should set up agenda for the nation. “The university curricula should address the needs of society. Higher education requires both patience and investment, though investment alone cannot ensure excellence,” he said.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali, Pro-Vice Chancellor, while lauding the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan for modeling the university on the pattern of Oxford and Cambridge, praised the efforts of the faculty and the students of the University for bringing laurels for the University. AMU registrar Dr Asfar Ali Khan proposed a vote of thanks. Dr Faiza Abbasi conducted the inaugural session. Around 50 vice chancellors of North Zone Universities are participating in the two-day meet. A special issue of the University News was also released by the editor of the journal, Dr Sistila Rama Devi Pani, the release added.