Indian varsities powerhouses of knowledge, says Kalam

Aligarh: Indian universities hold great potential, and are the powerhouses of knowledge, former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said at a convocation here Tuesday.

"Our universities hold great potential for preparing India's next generation to face the upcoming challenges. They are the powerhouses of knowledge," Kalam, a Bharat Ratna awardee, said while addressing students at the Mangalayatan University here.

"The universities not only need to focus on employment generation, but should also make students excel in knowledge and performance," he added.

"I am sure the graduates will pursue high quality research and help make India technologically self-reliant," the chief guest said in his message to the graduates.

Echoing Kalam's views, former Infosys chairman and Padma Vibhushan awardee N.R. Narayan Murthy said: "The graduating students now have the onus to perform for the country. They have to be motivated to work harder and smarter."

Renowned sarod player and ace classical musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was conferred with the title of Doctor of Literature at the function.

"The guru-shishya tradition has changed. Education system is now more about financial gains. But, we should not lose focus from the quality of the education provided," he said.

More than 700 students received their degrees in business administration, commerce and other programmes at the second convocation ceremony of the university.

IANS - Nov. 2, 2010