Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao on Saturday said India could become superpower if educational institutions brought out the hidden talent among the youngsters and develop the ‘Can Do Spirit’ among them. He also suggested them to compete with foreign universities to prove that Indian institutions were second to none in any aspect. He visited the GMR Institute of Technology in Rajam of Srikakulam district and interacted with students. He said India had been a hub of knowledge for many centuries and cited the capabilities of mathematician and astronomer Bhaskaracharya who exactly calculated the movement of the Earth around the Sun in the 12th century itself.
He asked the youngsters to develop multi-tasking skills, problem solving techniques, global thinking and lifelong learning habit to excel in their career. He also stressed the need for women’s participation in business, economy and education. Referring to a U.S.-based survey, Mr. Vidyasagar Rao said the companies earned higher profit when they employed more number of women in key posts.
He strongly felt that huge reforms in the education sector would ensure speedy development of the country. “The then British government introduced [the] current education system after considering [the] recommendations of Lord Macaulay in 1835. Now, it is time to think of reforms at all levels. The students should come out from comfort zone and try to become entrepreneurs and conquer the world,” he said. “As the Chancellor of Maharashtra and TN universities, I have been suggesting heads of all the institutions to come up with innovative ideas so that students will get motivated in all aspects.”
GMR Group Chairman GM Rao said the 74-year-old Mr. Vidyasagar Rao was a constant learner and had reached the top position through hard work though he studied in Telugu medium. Earlier, Mr. Rao showed the Governor the colleges, hospital and the training institutions being funded by the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation. He said the Foundation was focusing on health, education, hygiene and sanitation.
The Governor distributed cycles to schoolchildren of nearby villages. He planted saplings to mark his visit. Later, he interacted with the persons being trained in the Nagavalli Institute of Rural Entrepreneurship Development. Several GMRIT executives and GMRIT Principal CLVRSV Prasad participated in the meeting. Local BJP leaders including district president of the party Kotagiri Narayana Rao briefly interacted with Mr. Vidyasagar Rao and recalled his association with them. Srikakulam district SP J. Braham Reddy supervised the security arrangements.
