While expressing worry for having none of the Indian educational institutes in the top world universities, President Pranab Mukherjee expressed “hope” that in 2017, many institutes from the country would make it to the top world rankings. He was speaking at the 135th Founder’s Day at Delhi University’s top most St Stephen’s College.
“For the last four and a half years since I assumed office, I am talking almost like a parrot in particularly one regarding subject when we have so many institutions, more than 757, more than 36,000 colleges, 16 IITs and 30 NITs universities… I feel sorry, out of these Indian universities do not find a place in the top rankings among the top 200 universities,” he said.
He stated that at every educational congregation he has emphasised on the fact that Indian institutions should take the ranking process seriously in order to find place in the top ranks in reports by international rating agencies. “This is because we have excellent faculty members as well as brilliant students and do not lack in merit,” he said. He questioned that even when our universities had bright faculty members and good students, why they were still behind in making to these rankings.
He said he was happy to note that the two institutions have already figured in the top 200 and he hoped that many more would follow soon. “If we have the mission and commitment to do so we will be successful,” he said.
The President emphasised that it was important to create an atmosphere of research and innovation as well as a spirit of questioning in our educational institutions. He said many educational institutions of higher learning have set up Innovation Clubs.
“Every year a Festival of Innovations is held in Rashtrapati Bhavan to encourage grass root innovations which could solve problems of day to day life.” He said in the coming years we would have a large young population. “Only if we provide our youth with the necessary skills, education and training, we can ensure that the world job market will be available to them. Otherwise, the demographic dividend would turn into a liability,” he added.
He also said the country should have growth along with increasing opportunities for employment. “We also have to solve the problem of energy deficiency without disturbing the environment.” He urged the students of the college that through whatever position they occupy in society in future, they should contribute towards solving the problems of the people of the country.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were lieutenant-Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung.