ALIGARH: In the inaugural session of the two-day North Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet, the focus was 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.
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. He further added that the funds received by the universities have to be justified by addressing the pressing issues faced by the Indian masses.
He said that quality of teachers is needed to be raised. He particularly showed his concerns on brain drain whereby the best brains produced by India’s premier institutions invariably migrate to serve in the foreign countries whereas their services are required by the nation to raise the standard of living of the masses.
The issue of the autonomy of the universities also surfaced in the discussion. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, in his presidential remarks, 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.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that Aligarh Muslim University has taken a lead to herald a second Green revolution in the country. Highlighting the modern and secular character of the University, the Vice Chancellor talked about setting up of Smart Classrooms in the University, AMU’s role in eradicating Polio and its ambitious scheme to start a Solar Farm. He also informed about Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College joining hands with Smile Train to help children with cleft lip.
Guest of honour, Lt. Gen. S. S. Mehta, former Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry also focused on need of research to confront various problems India is presently facing. Making a fine distinction between national security and national defense, he identified six threats to India’s security. They include water, energy, health and education not enabling our youths to get employment.
Speaking on the occasion, 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. He also pointed out that the university curricula should address the needs of society. He was of the view that higher education requires both patience and investment, though investment alone cannot ensure excellence.
Another pertinent observation that came from Prof. Furqan is that the democracy has got four pillars, namely, legislature, executive, judiciary and press. Whereas, these four pillars rest upon the foundation of education which needs greater portion of the GDP than it is getting now. He also pointed out that expansion of higher education should mean inclusion of all communities in its fold.
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.
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