By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: President of India Pranab Mukherjee attended the 14th Convocation of Manipur University (MU) on April 29, 2014 at the Centenary Hall of the University at Canchipur, Imphal. The President shared the dias with Governor of Manipur V.K. Duggal, Chancellor of MU Prof. Dilip M. Nachane and the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. H. Nandakumar Sarma. Surprisingly, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his Council of Ministers were seated as invitees.
The main highlights of the function was the conferment of the degrees to the students of the University and honorary degree (Honoris Causa) on former Chief Minister of Manipur and the oldest Parliamentarian who completed his Rajya Sabha term recently Rishang Keishing (93) (Doctor of Law) and famous Musicologist of the State Laishram Birendrakumar (Doctor of Literature).
President conferring Honarary Degree to Laishram Birendrakumar.
Addressing the august gathering, the President stated the achievement of Manipur University. He said, “The University since establishment in 1980 has rendered yeoman service in promoting education in the North-Eastern region. Through its curriculum, it has fostered the composite culture of India. Its programmes and policies have always aimed at encouraging the spirit of humanism, tolerance and enquiry. I call upon its torchbearers to continue developing this University with conviction, industry and determination.”
Emphasizing the role of education in bringing India as one of the front ranking nations in the world, he said, “Education separates light and darkness; advancement from backwardness; excellence from mediocrity. If one investment can truly define a subtle linkage to future progress, it is education. Countries built on the strength of education and knowledge have achieved development over longer periods of time. Such countries have exhibited greater adaptive powers to changes in resource endowments. Education has afforded them the ability to overcome resource constraints and build an economy on a high technological base. If India has to be one of the front ranking nations in the world, the way ahead is only through a robust education system.”
The President also suggested various measures to improve the standard of the university. He said, “Faculty is the bedrock of education. The quality of teachers is a portrayal of the educational standards. Several measures are required for faculty development. The vacant teacher positions have to be filled up on priority. Talented faculty from abroad has to be hired to inject new thinking and diversity in academic approach… Many ills that afflict efficient functioning of our universities stem from the lack of good governance practices. Governance structures have to promote faster and transparent decision-making… A concerted effort has to be made to develop a wide-ranging partnership with the industry. An institutional arrangement for industry-academia interface is essential to explore the contours of collaboration like sponsorship of research endowments and chairs, and conduct of internship programmes… Effective use of technology-based media for greater academic exchange is the need of the hour.”
He also urged the university to boost up research works and outlined ways for improvement. “The research neglect in our universities has to be reversed. We have to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach in our academic system as most research activity requires the meeting of minds from diverse disciplines. We have to concentrate on the unique features of the region in which a university is located. Manipur University can prioritize its research expertise keeping in mind that this State is a bio-diversity hotspot,” he further said.
The President called upon the youth of Manipur to join hands with their counterparts elsewhere in the country for shaping the future of the nation. He said, “Manipur is a beautiful state that has excelled nationally and internationally in the fields of art, culture and sports. India is proud of the achievements made by the young men and women of Manipur and looks forward to them bringing more glory to our country in the future. It is important that all people, especially, the youth of this state recognize that economy and society can flourish only in an atmosphere free from violence. No problem is ever resolved by violence. Violence only aggravates the pain and the hurt on every side. I call upon the youth of Manipur to join hands with the youth of the rest of the country in forging the future of our nation. India is today a nation on the move. In every field of activity – be it business, industry, trade, education or culture, our billion plus people are marching vigorously forward led by the ideas, enterprise and energy of our predominantly young population. The emerging India offers enormous opportunities for the youth of Manipur. My appeal to the youth of Manipur is therefore ‘Let the dark days of violence and conflict be left behind. Let a new dawn emerge. Let us move ahead with faith in our collective future’. Let me assure you that the Government of India and the State Government of Manipur are determined and duty bound to ensure that every Manipuri lives with dignity and has equal rights and opportunities. It is for this reason that several major economic development and infrastructure projects are being taken up in the State.”
The President announced that from the next academic session the Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) will be revived. MUSU was disbanded in 2009 following some differences with the University authority. The university students have been demanding the revival of the Union. Later, the President inaugurated an exhibition put together by innovators.