1. President Droupadi Murmu expresses concern over the absence of Indian institutions in the top 50 globally.
2. Emphasizes the significance of good education but acknowledges the positive impact of high rankings.
3. Highlights that attracting global students and faculty enhances the nation’s reputation.
New Delhi, Dec 19: President Droupadi Murmu expressed concern over the absence of any Indian educational institution among the top 50 globally, despite the country’s rich knowledge tradition.
While acknowledging the importance of a good education over rankings, she emphasized that a high rank attracts global students, and faculty, and enhances the nation’s reputation. Speaking at the 69th convocation of IIT Kharagpur, President Murmu called for reflection on this matter.
She urged IIT Kharagpur, the oldest IIT in India, to lead efforts in innovation and technology, playing a crucial role in global education. Commending the institute’s alignment with the government’s internationalization policy, she emphasized the significance of alliances and collaborations with global institutions for elevating the Indian education system internationally.
President Murmu highlighted the role of technology in promoting social justice and equality, emphasizing everyone’s right to technology. She cited examples like digital payment systems that simplify life and benefit small traders. Recognizing the global reputation of IITs as talent and technology incubation centers, Murmu praised IIT Kharagpur‘s 73-year journey and its unmatched contribution to the country’s development.
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Expressing confidence in India’s potential, Murmu stated that the country is scaling new heights and emerging as a major world power. She emphasized the importance of finding solutions to global challenges in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, emphasizing the role of technology in this process.
Encouraging a growth-oriented, futuristic, and curious mindset, President Murmu called for gratitude towards the nation and society. Pointing out that 21% of degree recipients were women, she encouraged more women to pursue science and technology.
IIT Kharagpur Director VK Tewari expressed the institution’s vision to be among the top 10 global higher education institutions by 2030.
He highlighted the awarding of DSc Honoris Causa to individuals like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and entrepreneur Ajit Jain during the convocation, along with the conferral of the Lifetime Achievement Award upon Prof Ramchandra Prabhakar Gokam.
Over 3,200 students received degrees during the ceremony, and the institute has initiated national mission projects and collaborations with leading institutions.
