Research in new areas is necessary for the survival of universities: Harichandan

Raipur. Governor Vishwabhushan Harichandan today inaugurated the two-day conference of Vice-Chancellors organized by the Association of Indian Universities Central Region at Central Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur. He said that universities are factories and major centers for molding true human beings. Their important work is to create new knowledge through new research and innovations. It is considered essential to conduct new research daily for the survival of the university as well as for the continuity of the country and the world. On this occasion, the Governor also released a special issue of the magazine ‘Universities News’ published by the Association of Indian Universities. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by GD Sharma, President of the Association of Indian Universities and Atul Kothari, Secretary of Education Culture Upliftment Trust, New Delhi, was present as the special guest. A large number of Vice Chancellors and educationists of universities from the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana participated in the conference.

Governor Shri Harichandan said that I am hopeful that some concrete recommendations will emerge from this meeting which will prove helpful for the government, top institutions of higher education and the youth. He said that the major institutions of Indian higher education have performed well in terms of research. But there is potential for much more to be done. Only 75 Indian universities feature in the World University Rankings, but none of them could reach the top 200 rank. To improve these, a good research ecosystem is required. The Governor said that to promote innovation and startups in the country and create a strong eco-system, the Government of India has launched a ‘Startup India Action Plan’ which provides support to recognized startups through handholding funding and incubation. . The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 report has also given adequate emphasis on research and innovation. Universities should strengthen relationships with industries, government and other stakeholders.

Shri Harichandan threw light on the development journey of the country after independence. He informed about the various stages of the development journey from Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan to Jai, Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan. He said that the country developed the Corona vaccine under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This not only saved the citizens of our country from the deadly corona but also showed humanity by saving their lives by giving free vaccine to more than 50 countries. Harichandan said that our country is playing an important role in world politics today. India’s opinion is being considered in solving the biggest problems. India is the largest democratic country in the world. We believe in solving problems through mutual discussion. Apart from this, lasting peace cannot come through violence or any other means. President of the Association of Indian Universities GD Sharma, Vice President Vinay Kumar Pathak, Dr. Atul Kothari also addressed the function. The welcome address was given by Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice Chancellor of Central Guru Ghasidas University and the vote of thanks was given by Registrar Mr. Manish Srivastava.