The Central University (CUO) of Odisha celebrated its 14th Foundation Day on Monday. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the gathering through virtual mode and stressed the need for research and development towards promoting local food processing sector of the Koraput region.
He said paddy, mango, ragi, vegetables and, especially, Koraput coffee produced in organic farming system are special. The Prime Minister also spoke on promoting millets or ragi in Mann Ki Baat. The biscuits made from the ragi of Koraput have to be taken to the global market.
Pradhan said education is the only key to eradicating poverty. “We all need to work together to take the Central University of Odisha forward through the new education policy.”
CUO Vice-Chancellor Prof Sharat Kumar Palita, in his address, narrated the achievements of the university since 13 years of its inception.
The Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Amitabh Kant, SHERPA G20, India, who praised the university for its strive for academic success. More than 50 per cent of the students are girls. He gave importance to digital economy and promotion of modern technology like artificial intelligence in every sector.
Distinguished guest eminent scientist Padma Bhusan Prof Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, former Director General, ICMR, stressed upon the growth of education and research for overall development. It is important to build up tribal culture, health and organic farming in improving the livelihood of the tribes and the CUO should help in achieving this, he said.