Governor asks universities to be catalysts of socio-economic change

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2^nd Convocation of SMVDU

*Omar links success of youth with success of State

*Equitable development of India lies in hands of youth: Murthy

The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, today asked the universities to meaningfully contribute towards human development by acting as catalysts of economic growth and social change along with achieving excellence in teaching and research. The Governor was speaking at the Second Convocation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), at the University Campus, here today. The Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah was Guest of Honour, while as the Non-Executive Chairman and Mentor, Infosys Technologies, Mr. N.R Narayana Murthy, delivered the Convocation Address, as the Chief Guest. The Governor said it is imperative that the universities identify day-to-day problems faced by the people at large in their areas and undertake appropriate research to evolve viable solutions thereof. Referring to SMVDU, he said that this university has been endeavouring to undertake various projects, which could support the efforts of the Government to enhance growth and development. The Governor observed that among the many areas which require urgent attention, energy security is a major challenge not only for the State but for the entire country. He mentioned that SMVDU has set up a center for research in energy technologies to work out technological solutions to power pilferage in the State. He stressed the need for taking initiatives in regard to solar and other renewable energy resources, which have vast potential in J&K, to supplement efforts of the Government to provide power to the remote and far-flung areas. The Governor mentioned that research is also underway in the university to develop sensors and electronic gadgets to detect human movements across the borders, adding that research on this project is on the fast track. Referring to the contributions of Mr. Murthy, the Governor observed that once a scholar, he has become a world-renowned corporate leader, and asked the students and the passing-out graduates to emulate the integrity and the high moral principles of Mr. Murthy and follow his footprints to achieve excellence in their future vocations. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, said that the success of students in the life outside the campus is linked with the success of the State and, as such, they have to face the challenges bravely. He said that present day global scenario has put varied challenges before the youth. “You have to rise to the occasion and prove your mettle”, he said and asked the students to make honesty, transparency and public service the benchmark of their working. Mr. Omar hoped that the passing-out students of this young and promising university would have been adequately prepared to face the challenges of life and contribute to the socio-economic development of the State and the country at large. “You are ambassadors of the university and the State”, he said. Describing Mr. Narayana Murthy as the star at the Convocation, the Chief Minister asked the students to get inspiration from the Infosys Chairman and inculcate among them the spirit of honesty, transparency, moral ethics and laudable professional achievements from his life. He said that it is ultimately the students’ excellence, which brings laurels to the institution and the State, as such, “Everyone of you have to prove to the world that you were taught at this respected educational institution”. In his Convocation Address, Mr. Murthy said that the present day students are the hope of future India. He said that it is the responsibility of the passing-out graduates and post-graduates to contribute positively for equitable progress of all the citizens of India. “At present we find two sides of India, one completely developed in science and technology, economic aspects and all round growth and development, the other struggling to come out of the poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and ill-heath conditions”, he said advising the graduates to be effective part in bridging the gap between the two. Mr. Murthy said that for the last 300 years it is for the first time, India’s importance and reputation has been globally recognized in the fields of economy, education, science and technology. “Within next 30 years, I trust, that this country will be the hub of vital economic activities and an important seat of learning where people will globally come to learn”, he said and told the students to be the protectors and major stakeholders of the modern and developed India. “Honesty, hard work, discipline, national interest, meritoriousism, short-term sacrifices for long-term glory and commitment to achieve the goals, should be the ideals to cherish for the youth”, he said maintaining that the environment of equitable growth and progress will only then be ensured. The Infosys Chairman expressed trust in the youth that they will come upto the expectations and subscribe to the endeavours of making India the greatest country, free from all problems and hardships. The Governor, who is the Chancellor, SMVDU, awarded Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Mr. Murthy, on the occasion. The Governor presented medals and awards to the outstanding students for their excellent academic performance. He congratulated all those who received degrees, honours and awards at the Convocation and wished them high success in their future careers. He also signed the Scroll Award of Degrees, which was followed by oath taking by the degree recipients. In all, 337 candidates received their degrees, including three for Doctor of Philosophy, at the Convocation. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Prof. N. K. Bansal, presented the report of the varsity, giving details of its rapid growth and development as well as the past achievements and future plan of action. He said that relevance and employability are the essence of all the teaching programmes. He also spoke about the pattern of examination, teaching and research facilities already made available and those in the pipeline to make SMVDU a center of global excellence. The Minister for Higher Education, Mr. A. G. Malik, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Devender Singh Rana, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. K. A. Ganai, Principal Secretary to the Governor and the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mr. Raj Kumar Goyal, were present on the occasion. The Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Prof. B. Mishra, members of the Executive and Academic Councils, Faculty Members, students of the University, senior officers, political leaders and prominent citizens were present at the Convocation.