Dr. Babu Sebastian, Vice Chancellor, M.G. University,

Dr Sheena Shukkur, Pro-Vice Chancellor,

Adv. P.K.Harkumar, Syndicate Member,

Dr. K Krishnadas, Syndicate Member

Shri K Sherafudeen, Syndicate Member

Shri M.R Unni, Registrar

Respected Teachers, 

My beloved Students,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

       I am very happy to address this august gathering after laying the foundation stone of the proposed International Academic Convention Centre at Mahatma Gandhi University.

        In fact, the laying of this foundation stone makes me happy on two accounts. One is that, with the completion of this building, the Mahatma Gandhi University would be adding strength to its infrastructure so as to serve the academic community better. Secondly, I am happy to see Mahatma Gandhi University utilizing Rs. Five crore, which it had received as Prize money attached to the Chancellor's Award of 2016. I feel that this speedy action is indicative of the unity of the academic community of the University. Vice Chancellor   Dr. Babu Sebastian and his team deserve appreciation for this unity.

       I would also like to remind you all about the Chancellor's Award function, which was held in this campus quite recently. On that day, we had proposed another award of Rs. One crore for the best emerging university. I am glad to inform everyone that the State Government has provided the amount in the annual budget and that from this year onwards, Chancellor's Award will also have a ‘one crore-rupee-prize’ for the best emerging university.

       As we all know, India's higher education system is the third largest in the world, after China and the United States. In fact, the higher education sector in India has registered a commendable growth from the days of our Independence. From just 20 universities and less than 500 colleges, we have now grown to over 760 universities and nearly 40,000 colleges and over 12,000 stand-alone institutions. The gross enrollment ratio has crossed 24.5% and we are very optimistic of that ratio crossing 30% by 2020.  Kerala also has registered a commendable growth in educational infrastructure in the last six decades.  Our gross enrolment ratio in higher education has been better than the national average.  Yet, we still have a long way to go in achieving excellence.

       The changes that have swept across the higher education scenario in the recent years certainly call for ensuring up to date infrastructure in our universities and colleges. Traditionally, our concept of infrastructure was limited to buildings and equipments. But, in these days when the concept of the classroom itself is changing, we have to approach infrastructure in a more constructive way. We also have to evaluate whether our universities and colleges are utilizing their physical infrastructure to the maximum levels.

       Ensuring the quality of the physical as well as the knowledge infrastructure deserves our special attention. In a technology driven society, knowledge infrastructure such as connectivity, network, knowledge resources, Information and Communication Technology enabled classrooms, research oriented laboratories etc., are of paramount importance.  The quality of the infrastructure coupled with a systematic governance of the universities would help in creating the ideal environment for innovation. I understand that Government institutions face a lot of hurdles in ensuring the necessary physical and knowledge infrastructure.  While private and self financing institutions do not face such hurdles, we do not find the desired quality in a majority of the private institutions.

       The solution therefore, is to strengthen our State's universities by creating an environment that supports external funding from the industry or the alumni. Ideally, we should encourage philanthropy and corporate social responsibility by offering tax holidays or concessions to organizations that choose to fund research and knowledge infrastructure in our   universities.

       When we consider the universities in our State, we have reason to be satisfied about the pace with which the quality of infrastructure is improving. Yet, the lag in filling the vacancies of teachers cannot be ignored. Though the positive response of the universities to the Chancellor's Award was more in the form of creation of infrastructure, some efforts were ensured in filling up the faculty vacancies. But, this is not enough, especially in the context of paucity of Research guides in many subjects. With fewer research guides, there is a limit to the generation of research output. Lesser research out-put, in turn, would mean lesser chances of funding and much lesser acceptance for the university in the knowledge arena. Hence, posting of adequate faculty in universities needs to be addressed urgently.  

       I am certain that a mention about the life in our campuses will never be out of place here. There is a certain level of unrest in some campuses due to political and other issues. This unrest could also be due to the students' feeling of uncertainty about their future, especially in the wake of rising unemployment among the educated. Educational administrators have the responsibility of handling such situations in a positive manner, preferably through programmes for improving the employability of our students. We also have to closely monitor the physical and psychological well being of our students, for which closer interactions between teachers and students have to encouraged.

       I would also suggest that we educate our students about the legal implications of even the simplest of their actions. The rising number of cases of malpractices during examinations, academic plagiarism, the irresponsible use of social media, thoughtless destruction of public property, ragging, substance abuse and campus violence are some examples. It is sad to note that some students get involved in such actions for the sheer thrill of adventure and end up in long years of ordeal not just for them, but for their parents as well. Often, it is their ignorance of the consequences that make them venture into such acts. This has to be handled through better and more active interaction between students and teachers.

       I understand that the International Academic Convention centre would be completed in three stages and would include facilities for conferences, accommodation, media broadcasts etc. I hope that this facility will be utilized well by the academic community.

       I congratulate the University administration and the academic community for the interest they have shown in conceiving the idea of a convention centre. I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind