Solution to problems possible through creative use of scientific knowledge and research: President
Bhopal: President Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that solution to major problems facing the country is possible through creative use of scientific knowledge, research and technological innovations. He said that no one can set a country back which is rich in knowledge of science and technology. The President said that science education, technology researches, innovations and quality researches are indicators of nation’s progress in new era. Addressing the convocation of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) here today, President Shri Pranab Mukherjee exhorted students to become self-confident through knowledge and skill and move forward to build a new India. The world belongs to youth power, he added.
The President stressed the need for finding out new ways for better use of India’s youth power and talents. Expressing concern over quality and norms of higher education in the country, he said that no Indian university is among 200 best universities in the world whereas our country boasted of universities like Nalanda and Taxila 1500 years ago where students from all over the world came. Shri Mukherjee said that there is no dearth of talent in India and country can set norms for higher education. Referring to scientists Hargovind Khurna, Dr. Chandrashekhar, Sir C.V. Raman and Dr. Amritya Sen, the President said that Indian talents can win more Nobel Prizes. These talents were nourished in India but recognised later after studying in foreign universities. Shri Mukherjee expressed satisfaction that Indian higher education institutions are undergoing improvement. IIT-Madras and Mumbai and Guwahati have been included in top institutions of the world recently. The President said that higher education institutions should exchange teaching experience and system, intellectual interaction and academics. For this, internal institutional arrangements should be made.
The President said that human and natural resources in the country can be used in a better way only through creating interest towards science among people. He lauded the efforts made in this direction by IISER.
Governor Shri Ram Naresh Yadav said that scientific researches need to be connected with social concerns. Stressing the need for promoting creative contributions in development of science, he said that necessary teaching and research facilities including scholarships and fellowships should be provided to students. The Governor said that our country is moving ahead rapidly in scientific, technological and technical education. Therefore, new global level researches should be promoted. The Governor told students that character building is also necessary along with knowledge and career.
Union HRD Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani said that students should make continuous efforts for academic excellence. Country’s future rests with them. She exhorted them to keep in view protection of human values along success in academics and career.
Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Indian scientists are commanding respect throughout the world. He said that India has always been a scientific country. India had been an accomplished country in astrology and medical education. Nalanda and Taxila were the best universities at a time when a number of countries in the world were socially and culturally backward. The Chief Minister said that at present there is a little lack of research in higher education whereas Indian talents have been naturally of investigative disposition. He said that schoolbag burden is affecting children’s natural talents. They have started to memorise everything instead of understanding. If children are taught in their natural environs then creative instincts of science will emerge in them. Shri Chouhan called for lessening schoolbag burden to hone children’s natural growth.
Shri Chouhan said that Indian Institute of Science Education and Research is the pride of the state and country. Drinking water and other basic facilities will be provided on the premises of the institute in which the state government will extend maximum cooperation. Describing students as future of the country, the Chief Minister that Indian scientists should be given proper opportunities for stopping their migration to other countries. Youth talents can do everything. Students are ordinary but special. Country will succeed when they succeed.
An exhibition of innovations was also organised after institute’s second convocation displaying original inventions made in Madhya Pradesh in agriculture, medical sectors, running electrical/mechanical industrial equipment with water management etc. The exhibition was organised with the cooperation of National Innovation Foundation. IISER’s students also displayed their research achievements. They threw light on works done for upliftment of deprived sections of society. The President inaugurated this novel exhibition.
Institute’s students were felicitated for outstanding academic performances in their respective faculties. Shri Akash Jain was given Director’s Medal and Medals for Merit were given away to Shri Ashish Shrivasatava (Biology), Shri Sai Puneet Desai (Chemistry), Shri Gosabi Saurabh Madan (Maths) and Shri Akash Jain (Physics).
As many as 44 students were given BSMS degrees and PhD to 4 students. The President conferred honorary DSC degree to Prof. Goverdhan Mehta.
Institution’s Director Shri Vinod K. Singh presented the progress report. President of institution’s Board of Directors Prof. Madhav Gadgil, Chief Secretary Shri Anthony de Sa, DGP Shri Nandan Dube, students and their parents were present on the occasion.
The function was conducted by Dr. Ramya Sundar Raman.
