Guwahati, Sep 7: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Monday urged research scholars to choose topics that address community problems and promote inclusive development, saying education should foster critical thinking and innovation rather than serve merely as a means of employment.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of a Rs 110-crore infrastructure development project at Gauhati University on the final day of his two-day visit to Assam, he said the ranking of an institute, though important, does not tell the full story.
The true measure of a university lies in the lives it transforms, the knowledge it creates and the contribution it makes to society, the vice president said.
“Universities are not just classrooms, but centres of excellence, innovation and social responsibility,” he asserted.
Radhakrishnan highlighted that the majority of gold medallists in universities across the country are women. “This is a welcome development for Nari Shakti. A silent revolution has taken place, and it will go a long way in achieving the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat'”.
Pointing out that Gauhati University is the oldest in the northeast, the vice president said it has emerged as a premier institution of not only the region but the entire country.
“It stands as a testimony to perseverance and public aspiration, playing a pioneering role in various fields in this era of rapid technological development.”
“Education is not just a means for employment. It should lead to critical thinking and innovation. Scholars should research topics that address the community problems and lead to inclusive development,” Radhakrishnan said.
He urged students to fix their goals and strive to achieve those at their own pace, as no two individuals are the same.
The vice president also appealed to them to say no to drugs. A pledge against using drugs was also taken on the occasion.
About the infrastructure development project, Radhakrishnan said it would boost the university’s intellectual infrastructure.
The foundation stone laying event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, University Vice Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta and senior officials.
The key components of the project include an academic building, a boys’ hostel, a modern mess building, an international students’ hostel, Krishna Kanta Handique Library-seminar hall renovation, upgrading the Birinchi Barua auditorium and construction of residential quarters for D-Grade staff.
On the occasion, Radhakrishnan also released two books — Dr Bhupen Hazarika: 100 years of a Wandering Song, and the fifth edition of Chandrakanta Abhidan, published by the university. (PTI)
