Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Sep 12: “The recent census indicates that 17 percent of Indian graduates (about 45 million) are jobless. At the same time, the country is short of around 45 million skilled labourers. This is a paradox,” said former Vice-Chancellor of Kuvempu University Prof K Chidananda Gowda on Thursday September 12.

He was delivering the ‘Foundation Day’ lecture organized by Mangalore University at Mangala Auditorium.

“The universities have failed to mould students holistically. There is a need to incorporate professional and entrepreneurial  skills in each subject apart from concentrating on the syllabus,” noted Professor Gowda. 

Citing the example of Infosys chief Narayana Murthy, Professor Gowda said, “Convert your knowledge into wealth. It is only the proper blend of knowledge, skill, and attitude that can form a successful educational system. Integrate entrepreneurship into the mainstream of the educational system”, he further added.

Shedding light on the trends in the educational system, the former Vice-Chancellror said, “E-learning and M-learning gets more prominence than the traditional system. ‘Chalk and talk’ get less emphasis than ‘click and look’,” he said.

In his presidential address, Professor T C Shivashankara Murthy said that more importance has been given to higher education. “The University has received a lot of funds for its development. An amount of Rs 5.3 crore out of the proposed Rs 12.49 crore has been sanctioned under UGC for the development of a library and equipment. In addition, the government has also earmarked Rs 49,000 crore for the universities under Rastriya Uchcha Shiksha Abhiyana (RUSA),” he further added.

Registrar Professor Yadapadithaya welcomed. Finance officer Professor P Fakirappa proposed the vote of thanks. Registrar (evaluation) Professor Narayana was also present on the dais.