Reinvent to deliver relevant knowledge: Pranab to varsities

President Pranab Mukherjee appreciated the 154-year-old Mumbai University (MU) Sunday for bringing "far-reaching changes in its examination system".

MU has introduced bar codes and is using communication technology to improve the exam process and also established Centre of Nano-Technology.

Addressing its annual convocation, President exhorted all universities to reinvent to deliver relevant knowledge and actionable skills.

"Universities will need to reinvent as enablers of society rather than gatekeepers of higher education. The youth should be empowered to take our great nation forward," Mukherjee said.

He highlighted the role of technology in education.

"In the age of smart phones and tablets, ideas travel at the speed of thought. It is important to remain up-to-date with what is happening in the world. I am happy to note Mumbai university has maintained focus on cutting-edge thinking."

Mukherjee also emphasized the need for the Maharashtra government to become more proactive in finding ways and means to enable greater funding and partnerships with industry houses, other universities and central government bodies.

He said, "Delivering lectures and presenting thought through written material is going to be ancillary to creating learning environments. Professors, lecturers and teachers will have to emerge facilitators of thought through multiple technology platforms and pathways."

Bhavan honour

President Pranab Mukherjee conferred Sunday evening Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan honorary memberships on classical singer Kishori Amonkar, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and social worker Ela Bhatt to mark the institution's platinum jubilee and 125th birth anniversary of its founder K M Munshi. In the past 75 years, Bhavan has honoured only 40 national and international personalities, including Dr Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr S Radhakrishnan.

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