Governor Bandaru Dattatraya stressed on innovation and new technology and said that only those countries in the world were progressing which are giving priorities to emerging technologies.
The Governor was speaking while presiding over the third convocation ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur today. He awarded degrees to 162 students and 43 medals to meritorious students including 22 Gold and 21 silver medals.
The Governor said that changes in areas such as artificial intelligence, block chain technology, big data analytics, machine learning, bio-technology and robotics were challenging traditional methods of engineering and we have a golden opportunity to take the country to a new level by adopting and make full use of these technologies. He said that demographic advantage could only be achieved when maximum youth were provided with best education, knowledge and skills. For this, universities should work on creative basis with modern technology. He appealed the students to work on innovation and move towards entrepreneurship.
He said that India was emerging as a knowledge economy and hoped that our qualified manpower would become the cornerstone of this new era and Himachal Pradesh Technical University would play a leading role in the new competitive technology, working knowledge and skills for national self-reliance. He said that quality, affordability and accessibility should be the main elements of the higher education system and it should not allow for much regional difference. Higher education including technical education should be taken to the doorsteps of the people by innovating in the delivery system, he added.
The Governor said that the duly launched Higher Education Policy-2020 would help in accomplishing this goal, which needs to be made aware of. He also appreciated the efforts of Himachal Pradesh Technical University to work in this regard. He said that the credit of implementation of National Education Policy -2020 also goes to Technical University Hamirpur.
Shri Dattatraya said that there were immense opportunities for a student who always develops his knowledge, skills and intelligence with enthusiasm and vigilance. He added that many Indian youth have achieved world class successes through modern technology only on the basis of their skills. He said that several steps have been taken by the Central and State Governments to promote self-employment.
“Using these opportunities properly, students like you can become job providers and not job seekers”, said Dattatraya.
He said that the Technical University, Hamirpur, in its short term has made valuable contribution to the education sector through training, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable programs. As a result, the university has also been in the forefront in finding solutions to global challenges and to suit the changing needs of society and economy, he added. He said that through training and research, the university has also set up high standards.
Technical Education Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markandey, welcomed the Governor and congratulated the university authorities for organising 3rd convocation consecutively. He said that university was the highest institute of learning. He hoped that the pass out students from this university would set up an example of excellence in the country. He also hoped that all degree holders would live up to the expectations of their parents and teachers.
Earlier Vice-chancellor HP Technical University, Prof. S.P. Bansal, welcomed and honoured the Governor on the occasion and detailed various achievement of the university. He said that it was the first technical university in India who would provide bilingual study facility both in english and hindi to the students from next session. He said that we were working on shifting to multiple disciplinary with holistic approach.
Earlier, the Governor planted sapling of Elaeucapus Camitus (Rudraksh) plant at Technical University campus at Daruhi. He also laid foundation of girls hostel building to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 9.78 crore.
MLA from Hamirpur and Member Governing Body Narender Thakur, Vice-chancellor, Agriculture University, Palampur Dr. H.K.Chaudhary, Deputy Commissioner Debasweta Banik, Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan, members of governing and academic council Gokul Chandra and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
