111th Convocation of RTM Nagpur University
Establish India as a knowledge hub through interdisciplinary research and innovation. The university should connect itself with the world and at the same time with the society for research which would benefit and develop the society. Modern technology including Artificial Intelligence should be used in a positive manner for welfare of the society. For this inculcating values while acquiring knowledge is important, said President Droupadi Murmu.
Murmu was delivering the 111th Convocation Address at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University on Saturday. Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of the universities in Maharashtra Ramesh Bais was in the chair. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhari were present on the dais.
Murmu expressed happiness over large scale participation and achievements of girl students in the University. Out of the 138 researchers who were conferred PhD degree 57 were girl students. About 40 per cent of about four lakh students are girls. She said investment in girls’ education is investment in development. Undeterred with the bad phase in life the students should continue to work for the welfare of the society through their work. With acquisition of knowledge social responsibility should not be forgotten, she added.
Appreciating the progress of the university, which has rich history, Murmu said that the University should continue to function as the light house for the future generations. Acquiring degree should not be the end of the process of learning. Spreading the knowledge is an important mission for the degree holders and the university teachers. She also advised the alumni of the university and business houses to help in development of the university and promotion of research.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the university has produced great personalitieis including former Prime Minister P V Narsimha Rao, former Vice-President Justice Hidayatulla, former CJI Sharad Bobde and others who have earned name world over. The Vidarbha region is rich in minerals, forest and other natural resources. The research should be based on local needs and utilisation of the available resources aimed at elevating poverty.
The university is named after social reformer Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj. Amravati University has been named after another social reformer Sant Gadgebaba and the region has Agriculture University named after Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh. It is our responsibility to fulfil their dreams of converting knowledge into wealth and develop a value-based society.
Devendra Fadnavis said that the world is looking at India for skilled human resources. The universities have a responsibility to develop the nation as an economic power and also the biggest knowledge provider to the world. Besides using talent in the university tolerance should be part of the education for the desired development. Maharashtra is on the top among all the states because of contribution of the universities. RTMNU should continue with its contribution for development of the nation.
Chancellor Ramesh Bais also emphasised the use of knowledge for the welfare of society. The National Education Policy lays emphasis on producing job-givers and not job-seekers. The universities should develop skills to make the students entrepreneurs.
Retired Director of VNIT (VRCE) Dr Ramchandra Tupkari was conferred with D Sc degree and Rajashri Ramteke was honoured with G T Gedam Award at the hands of Murmu.
Earlier Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhai delivered welcome address.