Prof. S.V. Seshagiri Rao, Hon'ble Chancellor, Central University of Kerala
Shri P. Karunakaran, Member of Parliament,
Prof. G. Gopakumar, Vice-Chancellor,
Members of the Executive Council, Deans, Academic Council, Court Members and various other Authorities,
Dr. A. Radhakrishnan Nair, Registrar,
Dr. M. Muralidharan Nambiar, Controller of Examination,
Learned Faculty members,
Parents, Teachers,
Dear Graduands and other Students,
Friends in Media,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
A Very good morning to everyone.
I am very happy to address the Third Convocation of the Central University of Kerala, which is one among the 16 Central Universities established under The Central Universities Act, 2009. It adds to my joy that this Convocation is being held on the day on which this temple of learning completes ten years of fruitful existence.
Let me therefore, begin by congratulating the University community on the achievements it has made in the last decade. I also convey my hearty congratulations to all the students who are receiving their degrees today.
Completion of ten years is certainly a milestone in the history of every institution. However, for a university, it should also be an occasion to ponder over the academic developments which would add strength to its academic stature in the coming years.
The humble way in which this institution came into existence on 2nd March, 2009 and how the first Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jancy James and the governing bodies led the University from a transit campus at Vidyanagar, Kasaragod is well known. I am informed that the process of building up the infrastructure for this University on the 310 acres of land given by the Government of Kerala, was an instance of a very positive societal response to development. It is good to know that today, all the 21 Departments of teaching and research in Kasaragod are functioning in one location.
In the last ten years, Kerala society has been keenly watching how this university has been fulfilling its mission of extending the scope of learning through a holistic methodology that recognizes diverse linguistic, scientific and cultural traditions. As all of us know, the new educational policies of the Government of India urge the Universities to consider the changing needs of the industry in planning new courses and to seek Corporate support for high end research. I am happy that The Central University of Kerala [CUK] is focusing on better quality of research and innovation in higher education.
As we ponder over the role of a university in society, we are reminded of our former President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who believed that a University represents the interlocked life of many successive generations, making its pilgrimage through time. A University exemplifies the fraternity we wish to build up among human beings by creating useful knowledge and by applying it for the benefit of society. The activities of any University, therefore, must be planned in order to contribute to the improvement of the social and economic conditions of the people by developing their intellectual, academic and cultural resources.
These noble aims can be achieved only through hard work and proper academic leadership. I must say that in terms of hard work, our Universities are at par with other institutions in the world. But, when it comes to the quality of the intellectual output and the quantum of deliverable technologies that make the common man's life better, we see an urgent need for improvement. In this age of technology, our universities have been modernized in terms of infrastructure, but we are yet to see the fruits of innovation ripening in our institutions. This situation needs to be changed through more emphasis on social interactions, inter disciplinary research and a more intelligent use of technology.
The greatest asset of a university is the credibility it enjoys in society. In fact, ever university should develop to the level of being looked upon by society as an institution that offers solutions to its problems. It is here that Research, Innovation and Consultancy play significant roles. Research problems should not be limited to those identified in books and databases alone. In fact, in a country like ours, there are serious issues that are yet to find a place in books and databases. So, it is important for every student to keep eyes and ears open to the pulse of society.
Research in universities should be backed by innovation so that we could develop a research culture in our universities. At present, most of our universities seem to have developed a text-book culture, which encourages the study with an examination in mind. This has resulted in many bright students leaving research and taking up jobs which have nothing to do with the disciplines in which they were trained. One reason, perhaps, is that research is not as lucrative as other careers. Thus, while lamenting the neglect of research, we should also ensure that serious research is financially rewarding, too.
Having seen our universities in the last four and a half years, I have felt that everyone seems to be satisfied with the political culture in our institutions. I have always felt that the practice of party politics is a person's right, but an aggressive version of politics does not suit a campus atmosphere. What we need in campuses is not aggression or violence, but the spirit of academic cooperation and healthy intellectual exchanges.
As a person hailing from the judiciary, I have felt sad that while our campuses are loudly vocal about political ideologies, they often ignore discussions on the spirit of our own Constitution. It is true that education should empower us to think globally, but it is also important to be firmly rooted in our own ideals of democracy. I would therefore, suggest to the university authorities to include as part of the induction training to every course, some sessions on the values and expectations which our Constitution has always harbored about our youth.
To conclude, let me remind the scholars receiving their degrees today that education does not end with a degree. In fact, a doctoral or post graduate degree is only a milestone in your journey of learning. Let us remember that higher education has only a beginning and no end. We should also remember that the education that we have received is a blessing bestowed on us by the society, which expects you to be at its service in times of need.
Society may not ask us for help; it is for us to serve it at the time and in the way we deem suitable. And, we cannot go wrong, because the education that our society has given us has certainly equipped us with the sense to realize how and when to act. Let me wish all of you the strength and willingness to serve society without its asking.
I compliment the university authorities for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
