Vice-President addresses 1st Convocation @Central University of Bihar

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari addressed at the "First Convocation Ceremony of the Central University of Bihar in Patna, Bihar today.

M. Hamid Ansari said, "I am happy to be back in Patna, and on the occasion of the first convocation of the Central University of Bihar. Coming to this ancient land of wisdom and knowledge, of Nalanda and Vikramshila, is a matter of intellectual satisfaction, more so today when we award degrees to the first batch of graduating students since the University was set up in 2009. I take this opportunity to extend my felicitations to them."

As they step out of the familiar confines of their alma mater and enter the real world of myriad challenges and boundless possibilities, I urge them to work tirelessly for nation building and to contribute to inclusive social and economic development in the country.

Recognising the importance of education in national development, the Central University of Bihar is among the sixteen newly established central universities set up by the Government with the objective of ‘improvement of the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people, their intellectual, academic and cultural development.'

The CUB is expected to become a role model for, and contribute to, strengthening other institutions of higher education in the region. It is expected to evolve new formats that will link education to social and economic development, for the welfare of the people of this state and the country. Amongst these are the Masters programmes in Development Studies, Biotechnology, Bio-informatics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Communications & Media Studies etc.

A university builds its reputation largely on relevant and innovative courses, quality teaching and incisive research. A faculty that inspires to bring out the best in the students is integral to the effort. I am confident that in the years ahead, the state of Bihar will get a boost on its journey of progress and prosperity from the contributions of this University and its alumni.

This work in the service of the nation should not be seen as a charitable gesture. It is a social, economic and moral imperative. We need to remember at all times Gandhi ji's advice that "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Education has been recognised as the most important instrument for social, economic and political transformation of a society. A well educated population, equipped with the relevant knowledge and appropriate skills is essential for economic and social development in this age. Education is a potent tool for socioeconomic mobility and a key input for building an equitable and just society. It provides skills and competencies for economic well being. It strengthens democracy by imparting to citizens the tools needed for effective participation in the governance process. In a diverse society like ours, education acts as an integrative force, imparting values that foster social cohesion, communal harmony and national identity.

In the rapidly changing and integrated world of today when scientific and technological development and innovation are bringing a seminal transformation in human civilisation, much focus has been on education and skill development to match the demand for high quality and trained human resources generated by this unprecedented progress in human society.

In the Indian context, quality, affordability and accessibility have been adopted as guiding mantra for the development of our national education system. Emphasis has been laid on skill development; vocational training; promoting technical education; enhancing employability; establishment of innovation institutions; expansion of existing institutions and building news ones, with a focus on better quality in research, infrastructure, faculty and curriculum content.

If the initiatives taken by the government and the private sector relating to these objectives are implemented successfully, India is likely to have a world class education system, fully integrated to the global market place, which will be the driving force of our emergence as a modern and prosperous nation state, in which our peoples will enjoy the benefits of a peaceful, just and harmonious society.