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