Address by the president of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of launch of imprint India on the second day of Visitor’s Conference
Address by the president of
India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of launch of imprint India on the
second day of Visitor’s Conference
Good Morning!
1. I extend a warm welcome to you all who are here to
attend the first-ever Visitor’s Conference. In the past, I have had the
occasion to meet many of you during the different conferences organized at the
Rashtrapati Bhavan and convocations at your institutes. This is, however, the
first time that as Visitor, I am meeting you all together. As mentioned by my
Secretary, the outcomes of the previous conferences have given us the
confidence that the institutes of higher learning, if they come together, can
make a difference in a short span of time to higher education sector in our
country. With this shared belief, we are here today.
2. I thank Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi,
for his gracious presence. His enchanting speech and inspiring words, I have no
doubt, will set the tone for the deliberations during the Conference. I take
this opportunity to also place on record my appreciation for Shrimati Smriti
Zubin Irani, Minister for Human Resource Development. By steering various
initiatives with purpose and energy, she has taken forward the education
sector.
3. I compliment the Prime Minister and the HRD Minister
for the just-launched programme of IMPRINT, a Pan IIT and IISc initiative. The
ten themes of this programme identifying the immediate requirements of the
society will lay down the research roadmap for institutes of national importance.
I call upon the academic leaders of institutes in social sector and humanities’
domain to formulate a similar joint initiative for conducting research on
themes of relevance to public policy-making.
4. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is true that the past ten years have seen a vast expansion of the higher
education infrastructure. However, low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at 21
percent in India as against the world average of 27 percent remains a cause for
concern. A New Education Policy is being formulated. I am told that a process
of consultation has commenced on 13 themes for school education and 20 themes
for higher education. The new policy must alter the dynamics of the education
sector and help us achieve the GER target of 30 percent by 2020, a goal we
cannot afford to miss.
5. At the altar of expansion, quality should not be
sacrificed. Greater number of institutions translates into greater number of
seats, enhancing access and equity in higher education. However, it has
generated a lively debate on reach versus excellence, quality versus
affordability, and accountability versus autonomy. A calm assessment will make
it clear to all stakeholders that we need both reach and excellence, quality
and affordability, and autonomy with accountability.
6. Increasing access in higher education
through digital inclusion is a way forward. We should, without delay,
think of taking modified MOOCs to the secondary education level. To skill
India, we must design MOOCs that is interactive and offer vocational aspirants
an opportunity to learn. This could revolutionize delivery of skills knowledge.
7. Distinguished participants: An institute
of higher learning finds its real value by excelling in education, research and
innovation. This calls for faculty development and augmentation of teaching
resources across the board. This calls for inspired teachers, keen-to-learn
students, and good physical and research infrastructure. This also calls for a
reliable and extensive ICT network. Some encouraging developments in the recent
past, that I can recall are:
(i) Intensification of exchange of faculty through
formal arrangements with foreign institutions: In addition to the MOUs that
must have been signed by various institutions of higher learning, over 80 MOUs
with 50 overseas institutions have been signed during my visits abroad in the
last two years. This demonstrates the interest and potential for collaboration
with international institutions.
(ii) Removal of bottlenecks and simplification of
procedures for filling up faculty positions;
(iii) Engagement of adjunct faculty and hiring of
foreign experts - the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) is a
welcome step aimed at tapping the global pool of talented scientists and
entrepreneurs. By encouraging their engagement with Indian institutes, we can
augment our country’s academic resources.
8. Distinguished participants: It is good to
see research moving centre-stage in our institutes of higher learning. This
will in near future help us meet the need for good faculty. A recent example is
IIT Delhi, which has awarded 221 PhDs this year, the highest in a year so far.
It has resolved to increase this number to 400 in the next few years. Such
initiatives will not only lead to higher research quotient for the nation but
also improve rankings of the institutions.
9. Earlier not a single Indian institution came within
the top 200 institutions in international rankings. It seems that my persistent
exhortation has paid off. Many of you have responded to my call. I am grateful
for that. Our institutions are now taking the ranking process more seriously,
in a proactive and systematic manner. In the QS World University Rankings
2015-16, Indian institutions have broken into the top 200 for the first time. I
compliment Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, which is ranked 147th and
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, ranked 179th, for this
achievement. If we provide enough funds to top 10-20 institutions for next 4-5
years, we will soon see them storm into the top 100.
10. The National Institutional Ranking Framework
launched by the Ministry of HRD with an India-centric approach is a step in the
right direction. This initiative should enable Indian institutes of higher
learning to realize their potential and emerge as world-class institutions.
11. Ladies and Gentlemen: Knowledge is
indivisible. We must follow a multi-disciplinary approach that allows students
to learn and seek knowledge holistically. Our institutions must impart
education to the students that help expand their intellect, form their
character, instill in them a spirit of service and love for the motherland. It
must equip them to face the struggle of real life. It must deepen the students’
linkage with society. It is also necessary to develop in our students a
scientific temper, which allows the flight of imagination beyond the realm of
grades and classrooms. Promotion of research at the under-graduate level would
assist such an objective.
12. Distinguished
participants: The link between progress and innovation is direct. History
is witness to many nations low on natural resources emerging as advanced
economies only on the strength of rapid technological development. India
today stands within a striking distance of realizing the dreams of the founding
fathers of our nation. Indian youth are second to none in entrepreneurship.
India serves as the fastest growing start-up base worldwide and stands third
with 4,200 start-ups, next only to US and UK. The government has initiated the
‘Start-up India, Stand-up India’ campaign to incentivize entrepreneurial
ventures. Heads of institutes of higher learning must work towards creating an
innovation and research network that will produce entrepreneurs and nurture
innovations. The setting up of Innovation Clubs in over 60 Central institutions
in the last two years is a good beginning for a platform where novel ideas can
be nurtured and innovators mentored to develop new products.
13. In response to the decision taken in the
conference of vice chancellors of central universities in 2014, industry
interface cells have been set up in many institutions. These cells are now
lending vigour to activities like joint research, faculty exchange, and
setting up of chairs and endowments. These cells can also interact closely with
innovation incubators for monetizing ideas and research. The 45 MOUs signed
with the industry yesterday takes to next level the partnership between
industry and academia.
14. Ladies and Gentlemen: Academic
institutions are an important stakeholder for the socio-economic development of
the nation. I had earlier asked central universities and NITs to adopt at least
five villages and transform them into model villages. I now extend my call to
all the 114 central institutions. After identifying problems in the adopted
villages, they must pool all academic and technical resources at their disposal
to provide solutions that will enhance the quality of life of our countrymen.
15. As we start the deliberations in this
Conference, I assure you of an exciting journey ahead in the world of
education. Be ready for roadblocks, criticisms, failures and successes. But
continue to work with a fresh and positive mind. Do take heart from what
Mahatma Gandhi had said, and I quote: "First they ignore you, then they
laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win” (unquote). And win you
shall.
Thank you.
************
Second day of Visitor’s
Conference begins with the launch of ‘IMPRINT India’
The President of
India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee launched ‘IMPRINT India’, a Pan-IIT and IISc joint
initiative to develop a roadmap for research to solve major engineering and
technology challenges in ten technology domains relevant to India today
(November 5, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the second day of the Visitor’s
Conference.
The idea of launching ‘IMPRINT India’ originated during the conference of Chairmen, Board of Governors and Directors of Indian Institutes of Technology convened by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 22, 2014. It is based on the Prime Minister’s suggestion that research done by institutions of national importance must be linked with immediate requirements of the society at large.
The objectives of this initiative is to (1) identify areas of immediate relevance to society requiring innovation, (2) direct scientific research into identified areas, (3) ensure higher funding support for research into these areas and (4) measure outcomes of the research effort with reference to impact on the standard of living in the rural/urban areas.
IMPRINT India will focus on ten themes with each to be coordinated by one IIT/IISc, namely
(a) Health Care - IIT Kharagpur,
(b) Computer Science and ICT – IIT Kharagpur,
(c) Advance Materials – IIT Kanpur,
(d) Water Resources and River systems – IIT Kanpur,
(e) Sustainable Urban Design – IIT Roorkee,
(f) Defence – IIT Madras,
(g) Manufacturing – IIT Madras,
(h) Nano-technology Hardware- IIT Bombay,
(i) Environmental Science and Climate Change – IISc, Bangalore and
(j) Energy Security – IIT Bombay.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the outcomes of the previous conferences have given us the confidence that the institutes of higher learning, if they come together, can make a difference in a short span of time to higher education sector in our country. He called upon the academic leaders of institutes in social sector and humanities’ domain to formulate a similar joint initiative like ‘IMPRINT India’ for conducting research on themes of relevance to public policy-making.
The President saidit is necessary to develop in our students a scientific temper, which allows the flight of imagination beyond the realm of grades and classrooms. Promotion of research at the under-graduate level would assist such an objective. The link between progress and innovation is direct. History is witness to many nations low on resources emerging as advanced economies only on the strength of rapid technological development. India today stands within a striking distance of realizing the dreams of the founding fathers of our nation. Indian youth are second to none in entrepreneurship. India serves as the fastest growing start-up base worldwide and stands third with 4,200 start-ups, next only to US and UK. The government has initiated the ‘Start-up India, Stand-up India’ campaign to incentivize entrepreneurial ventures. Heads of institutes of higher learning must work towards creating an innovation and research network that will produce entrepreneurs and nurture innovations. The setting up of Innovation Clubs in over 60 Central institutions in the last two years is a good beginning for a platform where novel ideas can be nurtured and innovators mentored to develop new products.
The President said in response to the decision taken in the conference of vice chancellors of central universities in 2014, industry interface cells have been set up in many institutions. These cells are now lending vigour to activities like joint research, faculty exchange, and setting up of chairs and endowments. These cells can also interact closely with innovation incubators for monetizing ideas and research. The 45 MoUs signed with the industry yesterday takes to next level the partnership between industry and academia.
The President saidacademic institutions are an important stakeholder for the socio-economic development of the nation. He had earlier asked central universities and NITs to adopt at least five villages and transform them into model villages. He said he now extends his call to all the 114 central institutions. After identifying problems in the adopted villages, they must pool all academic and technical resources at their disposal to provide solutions that will enhance the quality of life of our countrymen. Some encouraging developments in the recent past are intensified exchange of faculty through formal arrangements with foreign institutions; removal of bottlenecks and simplification of procedures for filling up faculty positions and engagement of adjunct faculty and hiring of foreign experts through the Global Initiative for Academic Networks.
The President said the National Institutional Ranking Framework launched by the Ministry of HRD with an India-centric approach is a step in the right direction. This initiative should enable Indian institutes of higher learning to realize their potential and emerge as world-class institutions.
The President said the new education policy must alter the dynamics of the education sector and help us achieve the GER target of 30 percent by 2020, a goal we cannot afford to miss.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the IMPRINT India brochure and hand over the first copy to the President of India on the occasion. The Prime Minister and Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani also addressed the gathering.
The idea of launching ‘IMPRINT India’ originated during the conference of Chairmen, Board of Governors and Directors of Indian Institutes of Technology convened by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 22, 2014. It is based on the Prime Minister’s suggestion that research done by institutions of national importance must be linked with immediate requirements of the society at large.
The objectives of this initiative is to (1) identify areas of immediate relevance to society requiring innovation, (2) direct scientific research into identified areas, (3) ensure higher funding support for research into these areas and (4) measure outcomes of the research effort with reference to impact on the standard of living in the rural/urban areas.
IMPRINT India will focus on ten themes with each to be coordinated by one IIT/IISc, namely
(a) Health Care - IIT Kharagpur,
(b) Computer Science and ICT – IIT Kharagpur,
(c) Advance Materials – IIT Kanpur,
(d) Water Resources and River systems – IIT Kanpur,
(e) Sustainable Urban Design – IIT Roorkee,
(f) Defence – IIT Madras,
(g) Manufacturing – IIT Madras,
(h) Nano-technology Hardware- IIT Bombay,
(i) Environmental Science and Climate Change – IISc, Bangalore and
(j) Energy Security – IIT Bombay.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the outcomes of the previous conferences have given us the confidence that the institutes of higher learning, if they come together, can make a difference in a short span of time to higher education sector in our country. He called upon the academic leaders of institutes in social sector and humanities’ domain to formulate a similar joint initiative like ‘IMPRINT India’ for conducting research on themes of relevance to public policy-making.
The President saidit is necessary to develop in our students a scientific temper, which allows the flight of imagination beyond the realm of grades and classrooms. Promotion of research at the under-graduate level would assist such an objective. The link between progress and innovation is direct. History is witness to many nations low on resources emerging as advanced economies only on the strength of rapid technological development. India today stands within a striking distance of realizing the dreams of the founding fathers of our nation. Indian youth are second to none in entrepreneurship. India serves as the fastest growing start-up base worldwide and stands third with 4,200 start-ups, next only to US and UK. The government has initiated the ‘Start-up India, Stand-up India’ campaign to incentivize entrepreneurial ventures. Heads of institutes of higher learning must work towards creating an innovation and research network that will produce entrepreneurs and nurture innovations. The setting up of Innovation Clubs in over 60 Central institutions in the last two years is a good beginning for a platform where novel ideas can be nurtured and innovators mentored to develop new products.
The President said in response to the decision taken in the conference of vice chancellors of central universities in 2014, industry interface cells have been set up in many institutions. These cells are now lending vigour to activities like joint research, faculty exchange, and setting up of chairs and endowments. These cells can also interact closely with innovation incubators for monetizing ideas and research. The 45 MoUs signed with the industry yesterday takes to next level the partnership between industry and academia.
The President saidacademic institutions are an important stakeholder for the socio-economic development of the nation. He had earlier asked central universities and NITs to adopt at least five villages and transform them into model villages. He said he now extends his call to all the 114 central institutions. After identifying problems in the adopted villages, they must pool all academic and technical resources at their disposal to provide solutions that will enhance the quality of life of our countrymen. Some encouraging developments in the recent past are intensified exchange of faculty through formal arrangements with foreign institutions; removal of bottlenecks and simplification of procedures for filling up faculty positions and engagement of adjunct faculty and hiring of foreign experts through the Global Initiative for Academic Networks.
The President said the National Institutional Ranking Framework launched by the Ministry of HRD with an India-centric approach is a step in the right direction. This initiative should enable Indian institutes of higher learning to realize their potential and emerge as world-class institutions.
The President said the new education policy must alter the dynamics of the education sector and help us achieve the GER target of 30 percent by 2020, a goal we cannot afford to miss.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the IMPRINT India brochure and hand over the first copy to the President of India on the occasion. The Prime Minister and Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani also addressed the gathering.
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