‘World’s evolving, keep learning to stay ahead of the curve’

 

 

“The education you have received here will be invaluable in your journey of pursuing your dreams and aspirations. Remember, the skills and knowledge you have acquired at Nagpur university are only the foundation for your future. Keep learning and growing both personally and professionally. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and it is up to you to stay ahead of the curve,” said Prof T G Sitharam, Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). He was addressing the students at the 110th convocation of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande hall on Thursday. Dr Subhash Chaudhari, Vice Chancellor; Dr Sanjay Dudhe, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr Raju Hiwase, Registrar and others were on the dais. “As you leave this institution and embark upon the next phase of your journey, I encourage you to take with you the lessons and skills you have learnt here. As graduates of this esteemed institution, you have a duty to use your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world,” he said, urging the students to always be open to newer opportunities as life may not happen the way they want.. “You need to be flexible; you need to keep your mind, your eyes, your ears open to newer opportunities. You need to be proactive not reactive,” Prof Sitharam said.

Elaborating the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP), Prof Sitharam said that universities, UGC and AICTE will pave the way for a new India with young people who will be ready for the future. AICTE, through NEP 2020, gives preference to mother tongues or regional languages. “The Ministry of Education has also proposed an Academic Bank of Credit, an idea that would allow college students a variety of admission and exit options. With such an ecosystem in place today, AICTE has a tremendous role to play as a partner of new knowledge economy to inspire, create and move our society forward,” he explained. The proposed AICTE transformation framework involves four core focus areas -- Research and Innovation, Academics, Society, Students and, the Faculty. The main focus will be addressing the research problems relevant to Society through innovation with Sustainable Development Goals. This necessitates AICTE to play a role of adviser to the Government and all stakeholders through policy advice, assessing the sustainable development impact potential with appropriate tools and framework. Appealing the teachers to teach case studies on India’s achievements, Prof Sitharam suggested, “Try to teach students our scientific achievements, whether it is the free vaccine programme, development of Cowin application, creation of the pharmacy of the world, feeding poor people with free ration programme, how we collectively as citizens of India were able to achieve and their impact on poor lives. Of course, during Covid-19, our country also exported large number of vaccine doses to rest of the world during the same period. Let’s celebrate our own scientists and common people achievements and write them down for posterity to remember. When time came, we the people of India arose and achieved things beyond what any one in their wildest dream could even think of.” Prof Sitharam stated, “As we pioneered as a leader in Information Technology sector and here, we have an opportunity to take leadership in education sector. In India, there is a huge demand with large young population aspiring to become successful.” Dr Subhash Chaudhari, in his speech, congratulated students and presented the 100-year journey of university. Dr Varsha Deshpande and Dr Komal Thakre conducted the proceedings.