Kalam To Modify Education & Research

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Jabalpur, Oct 12 (UNI) President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam today stressed the need for bringing innovation in education and research and for involvement of youth in societal transformation.

''Research brings transformation and development and also enhances the quality of education. Both research and teaching go together in good colleges and universities. Any university is judged by the level and extent of research work it accomplishes'', Dr Kalam said in his address at the convocation of Rani Durgawati University here.

Governor Balram Jakhar and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, besides University Grants Commission Chairman Sukhdeo Thorat were among those present.

Speaking on ''Enriching the society through education'', the President said a good educational model is the need of the hour to ensure that the students grow to contribute towards the economic growth of a nation.

''Special capacities are required to be built in education system for nurturing the students. The capacities which are required to be built are research and inquiry, creativity and innovation, use of high technology, entrepreneurial and moral leadership'', he added.

Stating that our nation is going through a major challenge of uplifting 220 million people who are below the poverty line and to give better life for many millions who are on the border line of poverty or just above it, Dr Kalam recalled 11 missions suggested by him while addressing the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly on July 17 this year.

Rani Durgawati University could provide the knowledge products to the government and industry for enhancing the economic prosperity of the state, he said, adding the Deendayal Research Institute, set up by Nanaji Deshmukh, at Chitrakoot had implemented a village development model that was most suited for India.

The President suggested that the Rani Durgawati University can consider creating one PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) each in the seven districts of Jabalpur division using the talented youth and faculty members available in the university and affiliated colleges.

Dr Kalam said the aim of creating such PURA should be to enhance literacy to 75 percent from 52 percent, raising per capita income from Rs 14,000 to Rs 50,000 and reducing the number of BPL people from existing 40 percent to 20 percent by 2010. The university may nominate nodal colleges in each district for creation of PURA, he added.