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.
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