Hatred has no place in civil society

In a multicultural society like India, there is no place for hatred. We have to accept existence of all cultures and one is free to practice beliefs and faiths of his/her choice. Of course, religion is a personal matter. To respect principles and practices of other religions should be the norms in civilized society. Living with the spirit of brotherhood is the call of present time. We must work to promote harmony and peace in society.

Higher education needs immediate attention of Govt

Higher education in India needs greater attention than it has been  receiving in the past. It is commonly agreed that one of the main problem higher education suffers from indifference to aspirations of students. Young students enter university campus with an ambition and aspiration to enhance his/her capability to compete in global world. However, students feel dejected and desperate when they are rejected in commercial world because of inadequate learning and lack of skill required. It is heartening that new Govt at Center has emphasized skill development plans but universities have to catch up with the schemes of implementation. Emergence of India as world power will depends on the effective reforms in education. Prosperity of India will go had in hand with the development of education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. One of the main reform that is urgent concerns bridging the gap between degree holding youths in various professions and employability in the market. This can be achieved by sound skill development coursesrelevant to needs of industry and other sectors.

Building corruption-free India

After the change of Govt in Center in May this year, we are excited and hopeful to build new India. One of the immediate issue is rampant corruption in all walks of life. We have unwillingly accepted corruption as part of our life. Corruption is ingrained in our society in various garbs. Speed money, bakhshis, self-generosity ( khushi) are some of the common words employed to practice corruption in our country. We copy many things from advanced societies in the world but corrupt practices refuse to change in our country. It throws a challenge.  If we want to make India shining and bring old glory, we have to deal with ugly faces of corruption around us present in various forms. I feel practice of corruption accelerates by retaining the dishonest in positions of responsibility/authority. Govt would better take one positive step in this direction by showing dishonest to the door. A strong message has to go in society that we refuse to succumb to influence of corrupt and influential people in cleaning the system. I am looking for a change and  when honest and capable persons are picked up to shoulder responsibilities in positions of authorities. A trend is unfortunately emerging. Those who were active in previous dispensation are finding entry in the new set up. This, to me, looks to be no change situation. The whole exercise would prove futile and all  promises would prove tall shallow talk if this trend continues. It is absolutely necessary to seek and assemble honest people around committed honest political persona. No doubt, it is difficult task but it has to be tackled ruthlessly. In common parleys in gardens it is often heard - all dishonest men are re-settling to new situations in different garbs. Let that not happen. Let dishonesty be not  allowed to prosper in new regime. It is hoped we will witness some visible steps in the task of removing or better eliminating corruption from our society.

World Education Summit 2014 - Prof KP Mishra, Vice Chancellor, Nehru Gram Bharati Vishwavidyalaya

Durga Pooja Celebration at Mishra Mahal, Sadhopur

 Joined the worshipping of Durga Pooja that was started for public good at our residence,  Mishra Mahal on Sept 25 at Rajjupur crossing, Sadhopur.

Joined 13th day feast of shri Harihar Pd Mishra in the village on sept 25. It was emotional moment. Returned to city in the late evening with sad heart and uneasy feeling.

Visited native place-Durga Pooja at Mishra Mahal

I travelled to Allahabad on Sept 22. Joined 11th day ceremony of shri Harhar Prasad Mishra ji in the village who had departed for heavenly abode on Sept 13.

Events at LOC border with Pak

It is disturbing to know that  killing of innocent civilians at Pak border has been started in violation of bilateral agreement. Let there be peace at the border and better understanding for mutual  coexistence. It is regretting that hostility continues across the border. Sensitivity of Indian government officials is appreciated in this regard. 

Meeting of SCRAC

I felt joyful to attend the SCRAC meeting at Juhu Residency Boutique Hotel, Mumbai on October 4.The discussions on science communication to Journalists were interesting. Participants expressed diverse views on the point of discussion of paid news in science communication. I felt especially concerned and disfavored paid news which, in my opinion,may encourage element of dishonesty in scientific profession.

Interview on "Digital Learning"- Asia's Premier Magazine on ICT in Education

I am happy to share my views on a interview with Digital Learning- Asia’s premier Monthly Magazine on ICT in Education. 

You can click here to download and/or read in the soft copy of Digital Learning magazine September 2014, volume 10, issue 09, page 48-49


Digital Learning (DL): As a university with the objective to improve the access of higher education for rural areas, how relevant do you find the use of technological tools in education in today’s time and age?

KP Mishra (KPM): Major population of India lives in rural areas and education has to reach remote and inaccessible places. Plans have to be worked out to engage youth from urban as well as rural areas in nation-building through proper education. The focus of our endeavours is to improve upon the
quality and access of higher education to students from rural India. Without
doubt, technological tools hold the key to achieve these objectives effectively. At
this point in time of globalisation, new opportunities have been created but
competition has also become tougher. This demands optimisation of talent
promotion through innovation in education and training and requires reforming
and strengthening of our education system - from primary to university
level - to match global standards. We are faced with the challenge of providing
opportunities to the youth to receive appropriate education and unfold their full
potential for meeting their aspirations. We recognise that technological tools,
particularly computer, digital tools, Internet etc. have immense potential to
enable students acquire knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the competitive global market.

DL: While setting up the university, late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru had noted the importance of vocational, technical and professional education. What role does
technology play in achieving these objectives and how well is your university geared up for techenabled learning? 

KPM: Universities are regarded to be the temples of knowledge. India’s first Prime Minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru had recognised and placed due importance to vocational and professional education as it provides the confidence and capability for winning jobs and setting up enterprises. Education is meaningless if it cannot help earn a living to meet the necessities of life. In the present time,
the advent of information and communication technology has facilitated the process of teaching and learning in more ways than one. Education has witnessed a revolution in the approach and methods of teaching. A greater opportunity of interactive teaching has become possible and teachers can design
and deliver course material to students in an interesting and effective manner.
We have made sincere efforts to employ ICT in teaching programmes for the
benefit of students and teachers by providing computer labs, Internet facilities,
digitisation of library and innovations in teaching. Many initiatives have been
taken and upgradation of technological facilities is a continuous process in our
future plans.

DL: In recent years, there has been a concerted push from the HRD
ministry at the Centre towards technology enabled learning. Are you aware of the initiatives and how well have they progressed at your institute?

KPM: We are fully aware of the HRD ministry’s push for introducing technology enabled learning in higher education. I am a strong supporter of the government’s National Mission for Education through ICT (NMEICT). In fact, NGBU has actively followed the implementation of plans and programmes of the central government provided from time to time. We are particularly interested in increasing utilisation of information technology in admission, examination and evaluation processes. We have also started an orientation programme of training the new and existing faculty through computers and power point presentations to make them technology savvy and upgrade their professional
knowledge and class room teaching methods. The focus is to integrate technology in teaching and transform the traditional class room teaching into a technology driven learning and practice centre. 

DL: What in your view is the impact of the use of technological resources on the quality and accessibility of education? How has it helped the students and faculty at your institute?

KPM: In my opinion, quality of teaching is the core strength of university education which, unfortunately, has shown a declining trend in past years in our
country. It is hoped that MHRD would take note of this decline and take corrective measures. Use of technology has enormous scope to improve quality and accessibility of education, especially in rural areas. There has been a limited
impact of ICT on quality improvement of education but the efforts are continuing. n my experience, there are a few snags that need to be tackled for
enhancing the impact. For example, infrastructure and manpower in various
universities differ markedly. Therefore, plans of implementation of the ICT programme have to be executed in groups of universities with similar background and encourage them to catch up with better placed institutions. Among other factors, unreliable availability of electricity from commercial supply system and inadequate power through generator system frequently disrupt the plans of technology teaching and practice, thereby disturbing the schedules and
adversely affecting the teaching programme. Teaching standards and accessibility would substantially improve after we make dependable delivery of
teaching from centralised destinations assuring students quality lesson material
designed by experts in the subjects.

DL: Are there any other initiatives that you have streamlined with regard
to tech-enabled learning? 

KPM: We have planned a few initiatives for technology based teaching and learning in our campus. For example, we are keen to implement our plans for transforming the classroom experience by replacing traditional passive lectures with active learning experiences based on information technology. In addition, it has been in our active plans to motivate students to conceive, initiate, and implement projects utilising information technology in their fields of study. We believe that by allowing students to employ and practice technology in a free atmosphere would prod them to thinking of creating new software and services for future.

DL: What are the challenges that you have faced with regard to the introduction of ICT in education? Any plans to engage with private players to take it to the next level?

KPM: There are many challenges that must be tackled for effective  implementation of ICT in the education programme. In this context, the merit of investment in creating infrastructure for implementation of technology is obvious. But, often such investments receive lukewarm response by
the university fund allocation Committee It may be advisable to plan for onetime
special funding assistance to establishing and improving infrastructure for
technology-based teaching, training learning and research for accelerated implementation of NMEICT. In my experience, the major problem faced in implementation of technology-based educational programmes is the unintentional resistance of stakeholders to change. Passive approach and lack of receptivity are major hurdles which, of course, stems due to traditional mindset. It can, however, be tackled with patience and tactful handling. I feel fortunate to have identified and involved willing faculties to implement new plans of technology based teaching, training and research activities. However, it was more than satisfying to witness enthusiastic participation of young students in technology based courses and innovative research activities in Ph.D. programme. I strongly believe that participation of private players
in education supported by technology would push the ICT programme towards
a faster pace, wider acceptability and better academic participation.

Presided the felicitation function and Cultural program

A function was organized at Seth GM Inter College Baheria Allahabad on Aug 16, 2014 to welcome and felicitate the newly elected M.P., shri Keshav Prasad Maurya  of Phulpur Parliamentry Constituency, Allahabad. I presided the function. In my presidential speech I urged to bring milestone projects for the welfare of people of this region. I suggested to establish a Science City which would be commensurate to academic reputation of Allahabad. I also suggested to establish an International Convention Center which is lacking in Allahabad. I repeated my continuing project to build an airport and connect Allahabad to major cities of India. It would be befitting to plan for an international airport at Allahabad. There was a general appreciation of these visions and manniya Maurya ji responded with posititive notes. About 10,000 students and guests were present.

Independence Day Celebration- Seth GM Inter College, Allahabad

Invited as Chief Guest on the occasion of 15th August celebration at Seth GM.Inter College, Baheria, Allahabad. Hoisted the National Flag and took ceremonial guard of honor. Addressed the audience and emphasized the role of education in character building of students. There was organized a question-answer session with science students. Later in the day,  I addressed the teachers urging them to continue  maintaining the  high performing academic standards. High quality teaching will add to growing reputation of the College. 

World Doctorates Day- International Conference on Issues and Challenges in Doctoral Research

I was invited to deliver a Keynote  talk in the International Conference on Issues and Challenges in Doctoral Research . The Conference was organized at India International Center, New Delhi. on August 25, 2014. Many accomplished scientists and academicians delivered their talks. It was a forum to learn from the vision and experiences of Experts and Vice Chancellors who were invited on this occasion. .Prof K.K. Dwivedi, Chairman of Organizing Committee and Vice Chancellor of APJ Stya University welcomed the delegates and presented a background of the Conference. Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chancellor of APJS University presided the Inaugural Function. I delivered my talk on Benchmarking the Quality of Doctoral Research in India to the Highest International Standards. I exhorted the audience that higher education standards and quality of research are declining in the country. I emphasized the need for reform in higher education to be able to compete in global world.

World Education Summit 2014

World Education Summit 2014 was organized by ELETS in association with UNESCO and others during Aug 7-8 at Eros Hotel, New Delhi.. I was invited to share my views in the session on INNOVATIONS IN UNIVERSITIES: FOCUSING ON RESEARCH AND CREATIVITY. The session was organized between 11.30 am to 1.00 pm. I expressed my views on innovations in university education and moderated the Session. Speakers from India and abroad shared their views. It was a very interactive session. Meeting many intellectuals, educationists, academicians and policy makers was an interesting experience.

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.

Interesting day of the season

It was an interesting and satisfying day. I enjoyed talking about my views with regard to standards in higher education. Conclusion is yet to be made within a few days concerning my role in future.
I am overjoyed as our research paper with my Ph.D. student, Ms Vidula Ahire was accepted for publication in European J.of Biotechnology and Bioscience. In my view it is a good contribution for advancement of knowledge involving p53 in the mechanism of cellular apoptosis.

Invited to be Chief Guest in the Launching Function of IIHT at Allahabad

I was excited to inaugurate the  launching ceremony of the career- centric  Indian Institute of Hardware Technology ( IIHT) program at Allahabad at 6.30 pm. A large number of students and parents were present. Other Guests on dais were shri Rajesh Yadav, City Magistrate of Allahabad, shri Devrath Kumar, Employment Officer, Mrs Shilpi Ganguly, Director, DLS( Daksha Learning Solution), Mr Joy Ganguly, MD, DLS, Dr RP Ojha, Coordinator, DLS  and others. I emphasized the need for training of students after graduation especially engineering graduates to bridge the gap between college level teaching and industry's requirement. The course that is being launched offers vast opportunity to prepare students for job market. Presently, only 25 % engineering graduates are employable which means we have to work for remaining 75 % students who are as such unemployable. The syllabus of engineering colleges is outdated and knowledge in technology is rapidly growing. The gap needs to be bridged by providing new opportunity. Cloud technology learning provided by IIHT is most appropriate as it opens placement opportunities for students. I pointed out that mostly students feel disappointed after coming out from colleges as the demands of industry move forward rapidly and they find college pass out students mostly unfit for the job Therefore, we have to make engineering and other graduate students ready for use by industry.

Inaugurated Orientation course for Faculties of Universities and Colleges at Academic Staff College, Allahabad University

Was invited as Chief Guest to inaugurate the Orientation Course for Faculties organized by Academic Staff College of Allahabad University on May 22 at 11.30 hr. Dr Vimla Vyas , Asst Director of the ASC delivered her welcome speech and introduced me to teachers. In my inaugural address I highlighted the importance of undergoing such training courses to remain up-to-date in the profession. To be a teacher makes a great opportunity to change the world by motivating and teaching young students. It is utmost important to be proud of being a teacher as this profession allows to build society for future generation by molding young students to constructive activities for nation building. I agreed to teacher's request to return again for delivering a talk.

One day meet of Principals and Head of Departments in Academic Staff College, University of Allahabad

It was a nice meeting with Principals & Head of Departments from the colleges of University of Allahabad in Academic Staff College, at University of Allahabad on the Sunday, March 23, 2014. I addressed the audience regarding the various issues on smooth running of administration in the educational institutions.  

Prof. Mishra addressing Principals and Head of Departments in Academic Staff College, University of Allahabad

National Conference on "Patrakarita ke Badalte Pratimaan", NGBU, Allahabad

The National Conference on "Patrakarita ke Badalte Pratimaan" was presided by me during the inauguration function on Feb. 22. 2014.  This two day (22-23, Feb. 2014) National Conference  was organized by Dept. of Journalism and Mass Comm., Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad. It was pleasure to meet and discuss various promising issues with chief guest of the function  Prof. BK Kuthiala, Vice Chancellor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, M.P., India.

Prof. KP Mishra with distinguished delegates during the inauguration 

Prof. KP Mishra presiding the inaugural function. 

National Conference on Radiation and Health Hazard, Allahabad

The National Conference on Radiation and Health Hazard was inaugurated by me during Feb. 21-22, 2014 at H.N.B. Govt. P.G. College, Naini, Allahabad, India. As chief guest of the inaugural function, I  addressed to the audience. It is good to see the knowledge of radiation science being discussed among young minds. 

Addressing the delegates during the Conference