HONORED WITH CCI TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD 2014

It was a moment of great joy and feeling of honor to receive TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD for 2014 on 19th July, 2014 which was handed over to me on behalf of Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad for the recognition of our contributions as Vice Chancellor of the university. The award was given by Prof Akshai Aggarwal, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Technical University joined by Mr N.K.Goyal, President of CMAI Association of India & Board of Advisor, GCSR, GTU in the august presence of His Excellency Mr Ndubuisi V.Amaku, High Commissioner of Nigeria to India, H.E. Mr Shaida Mohd Abdali, Ambassador of Afghanistan to India, H.E. Dr Lewis Mbilizi, Deputy High Commissioner of Malawi to India, H.E. Mr Rizali W.Indrakesuma, Ambassador of Indonesia to India and many other Guests and Dignitaries. Hon'ble Minister of Education, Govt of Gujarat , shri Bhupendra Sinhji Chudasama conveyed his message who could not be present due to last minute urgent ministerial meeting of Gujarat Government. The award was accompanied by a shawl, certificate and memento. It was a great pleasure to share the moment of pride among many fellow  Vice Chancellors and other awardees selected on All India Basis by the National Award Selection Committee constituted for the purpose.

Delivered a talk in the 7th Seminar on Designing structure of Technological Universities

I was glad to be invited to deliver a talk in the 7th Seminar on designing the structure of Technological Universities held on July 19, 2014 at Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad. Prof Akshai Aggarwal, Vice Chancellor, GTU presided. I strongly opined that, apart from quality teaching, greater emphasis has to be given for research in technical as well in non-technical universities in India. It  is lack of substantial research attracting citations that deprives our Universities and Institutions from finding the place in world rankings of the universities. Quality of research has to be enhanced which, in turn, needs qualified and research oriented faculties in the universities. We can not create world class universities unless we drastically reform our present university structure in terms of autonomy of functioning , improvement in examination system, inculcating the culture of creativity among students and, most of all, building confidence in students to win global competition. It is sad that the need of these changes are recognized by Authorities and policy makers but  they fail to bring changes as required. Compromises with merit and acceptance of the mediocrity in teaching professions because of reservations and other factors are harming the national interests in global rankings of our educational institutions. We have to take bold decisions to bring in some obvious reforms in higher education systems  if we want to make a powerful India with knowledge superiority of the golden days.

Role of Teachers in National Development

Delivered a talk to University Teachers in the Orientation Course organized by Academic Staff College of Allahabad University on July 4, 2014 at 11.00 am.It was interesting to find that many teachers agreed to deteriorating standards of higher education in the country but they could not identify the causes and specific issues of degradation. I pointed out the contradictions in teaching profession.  Mostly, we get unwilling and disinterested persons to join teaching work force. Often, teachers fail to excite the learning curiosity of students because of unprepared and mundane lecture material. In addition, to my mind, it is most important to allow students to participate in the discussions on the topic in the class. Arousing students to speak or ask questions meets the very purpose of lecturing in the class. Today's HE system in India is a borrowed tradition of teaching and examining students from British System. Our education system promotes rotting and does not encourage creativity. A teacher has to impart learning and not merely delivering his/her lecture. A thinking process has to set in the mind of students after listening to the lecture in the class. A more important point was made to accept the challenges of present time by adapting technology in teaching to make the teaching more effective and grasping. Many interesting points were brought in during the interactions with the teachers. A question was raised with regard to neglect of teaching profession in terms of facilities and finances by authorities creating hopelessness. Another important point - greater emphasis is needed to be laid in bringing values among students. Producing good citizens through proper teaching and grooming would go a long way in our national development. Teachers can sensitize students in nation building by engaging them in societal responsibilities and activities.