The Hindu : National : Universities should concentrate on research, says Kalam

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Universities should concentrate on research, says Kalam

Special Correspondent

“An educational institution is judged by the extent and level of its research”

— Photo: Special arrangement

TECH Fest: Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam lights the lamp to mark the inauguration of Quark 2009 technical festival on the Goa campus of BITS Pilani on Saturday. To Mr. Kalam’s left is BITS Pilani Vice-Chancellor L. K. Maheshwari.

PANAJI: Underscoring the importance and inter-connectivity of research and high quality teaching, the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on Saturday said educational institutions and the country as a whole should support research and science.

Mr. Kalam was addressing participants and students at the three-day Quark 2009, an annual technical festival, on the BITS Pilani campus at Zuarinagar in south Goa.

Earlier, Mr. Kalam lighted a ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the festival, which has attracted a large number of students from different educational institutions.

Creative leadership

Research led to quality teaching and quality teaching further enriched research. An institution was judged by the extent and level of its research, the rocket scientist observed. He wanted more and more universities to emulate foreign universities which concentrated on research.

Mr. Kalam asked the students to assume creative leadership, which meant “exercising the vision to change the traditional role from the commander to the coach, manager to mentor, from director to delegator and from one who demands respect to one who facilitates self-respect.” Educational institutions should play a significant role in producing creative leadership. “The important thrust will be on the generation of a number of creative leaders from our educational institution.”

In a lively interaction that followed, he answered questions from students on diverse topics.

“Teach human values”

To a question from a student who expressed concern over increasing instances of youngsters with a high educational background becoming volunteers for terror activities, Mr. Kalam said teaching of humanity and human values should be made part of the education system.

To a query about solving the Kashmir issue, he suggested that emphasis be laid on bringing prosperity to the “border economy” (people of the border areas) in such a way that it became the enemy’s envy.

To another question, Mr. Kalam urged students to ‘think big’ as “great dreams in life transform into thoughts.”

He called upon students to be prepared to take up technological leadership challenges in the next two decades to make India a powerhouse in a knowledge-based economy.

Economic connectivity

On financial constraints to making the country prosperous, Mr. Kalam said: “We don’t need foreign technology and money. What is important is economic connectivity to villages by proper deployment of money and use of technology.”

L. K. Maheshwari, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, welcomed the gathering. Sourabh Agarwal, president, Council of Students’ Affairs, said the festival attracted not only national but also international participation.

K. E. Raman, Director, Goa campus, proposed a vote of thanks. B. Vinay Varma, vice-president, Council of Students’ Affairs, was present on the dais.

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