The Central University of Karnataka (CUK) has initiated talks with foreign universities to explore the possibility of collaboration and exchange programmes.
Several varsities have been approached, including the University of Maryland and University of Texas in U.S., the National University of Singapore and the University of Salzburg, Austria.
CUK Vice-Chancellor S.S. Murthy told The Hindu here that collaboration with foreign universities would enable the students and teaching staff of CUK to get better exposure and widen the avenues of research and development activities of all the universities involved.
He had recently gone to Singapore to explore the possibility of collaboration with the National University of Singapore.
He said the response was “overwhelming.”
“The response from other foreign universities was also good. The mandate of the Human Resource Ministry and the Union government to all Central universities is to collaborate with as many universities as possible to achieve academic excellence.”
Prof. Murthy said CUK proposed to establish satellite campuses in different parts of the State to cater to the needs of students of those regions. As per the present proposals, satellite centres would be established in Bangalore and Hubli-Dharwad. Another campus would be established in either Udupi or Mangalore, he added.
CUK’s motto was to spread and diversify its activities throughout the State and emerge as a leader in education in the State.
Improvement
He also highlighted the need for improving Gulbarga’s air and rail connectivity.
“Air services should be started in Gulbarga to bring it on the international map,” he added.
“The first question asked, when someone is invited to give a guest lecture, is whether Gulbarga has an airport or not. Apart from an airport, the government should also improve rail connectivity to the city,” he said.
CUK also proposes to network with industries to gauge and fulfil human resource requirements.
The varsity would insist that every student intern during the summer to gain experience, Prof. Murthy added.
