Manmohan calls for change in varsity curriculum

Updated on: Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said there was need for change in university curriculum that would enable a shift in the students' ability to meet the challenges posed by a rapidly growing economy and changing policies.

Delivering the convocation address at the 29th convocation of the Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSIHL), a deemed university, here, Dr. Singh said: “Students should be in the forefront in addressing the changes of the present day. Accelerated changes in technology are leading to new challenges and students should focus on breaking new path that others will do well to follow.”

The convocation coincided with the 85th birthday celebrations of Sai Baba that began last week.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah; Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa; Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin; the former Maharashtra Chief Minister, Ashok Chavan; Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil; Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan; Tripura Governor D.Y. Patil; Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata; and TVS group Chairman Venu Srinivasan were among those the high profile personalities present.

Mr. Yeddyurappa, who is engulfed in a political crisis, was seen exchanging pleasantries with Dr. Singh and speaking to Sai Baba.

Dr. Singh said the country was already renowned in several areas, including information technology, biotechnology, space and nuclear sciences and it was important for varsities to sustain the quality of education. Given the larger role played by the country in world affairs, emphasis should be on creating systems that not only provided opportunities to youth the country, but also enabled them on a global scale.

While appreciating the emphasis laid on scientific research by SSIHL, he said this should not be restricted to theoretical world. History, economics, humanity and the realm of culture should also be given equal importance. He complimented the graduating students, saying their lives would not be complete unless the knowledge was shared with the less privileged and less fortunate.

Dr. Singh expressed concern that individuals and institutions, who had the means to take up philanthropic activities, were not emulating the likes of Sai Baba in serving the less privileged. He showered praises on Sai Baba for the service rendered by him to the poor by offering them education and health services free of cost.

Sai Baba exhorted the graduates to proceed in their lives with sacrifice as the first principle, and build a social status for themselves where they could live harmoniously with others.

Manmohan calls for change in varsity curriculum

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