Our institutes of higher learning are lagging behind: Pranab Mukherjee

KALABURAGI: President Pranab Mukherjee has regretted that despite a glorious past in the area of education, institutions of higher learning in the country are lagging behind many others in international rankings.

Delivering the second annual convocation address of the Central University of Karnataka here, he said it was on the foundation of a robust education system that many nations overcame poverty, social and economic turmoil. “In ancient India, a thriving culture of knowledge generation and propagation existed. Institutions like Nalanda, Takshashila and Vikramashila were a melting pot for scholastic pursuits of learners far and wide. The scenario is quite different now. Our institutions of higher learning lag behind many in international rankings. For the last three years, I have urged Indian institutions to adopt a more proactive approach and present their credentials better. A higher rank improves morale, enhances job prospects of students, and helps in attracting both quality faculty and meritorious students. It is a matter of great satisfaction that for the first time, two Indian institutions have figured amongst the top 200 universities this year. I hope other Indian institutions will follow suit,” Mr Mukharjee said.

Referring to the teaching sector, Mr Mukharjee noted that the country has to fill vacancies expeditiously and attract meritorious people to the profession. Specialists from abroad could inject new ideas.

The Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) is a welcome step, he said.

Stating that over 40 crore students were likely to seek education at different levels by 2016, the President said the education system has to gear up to meet the triple challenges of access, affordability and quality.