Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan on Monday urged students not to use gadgets, including smartphones, as they would kill their time and memory power.
Mr. Narasimhan, who is also the Chancellor, interacted with students of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Etcherla in Srikakulam district. It is his first visit to the university after its establishment in 2008.
He encouraged students to express their feelings freely and directed officials to act promptly when some of them raised some issues about curriculum.
100% attendance
He strongly objected to 25% relaxation in attendance and stressed the need to link scholarships and other benefits only for the students who would have 100% attendance.
“The youngsters should give first and foremost priority to studies. Unless there is an emergency, they should not bunk classes. Relaxation in attendance rules will ruin their studies and career in future,” he said.
“The students should focus on communication skills and they can be attained with constant practice and interaction. I learnt Hindi when I got a chance to work in Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Youngsters should prepare for new environment, culture and tradition. They always like to have a new variety of food and dresses. And same can be applicable for their studies and job too. They will come out with flying colours only when they are ready to face new challenges,” he added.
“Although my native language is Tamil, I am trying my level best to speak in Telugu. I could improve Telugu only with constant practice,” said Mr. Narasimhan while speaking in Telugu with them.
field work
Earlier, a post graduate student P.Ch.V.Giridhar urged him to give priority to field work during college days. He said that many students were not pursuing higher education which was turned into a business activity with the domination of private institutions.
A degree student Sobha said that accounts subject was not properly covered in the final year of B.Com. course. The Governor directed the officials to look into the issue.
Another degree student Ashok expressed concern over the brain drain and urged the Governor to take steps to utilise talent of youngsters in the country.
Many students, including Vaishnavi, Naidu and Uday, expressed happiness over the interaction.
“It inspired me a lot and made me to concentrate on communication skills. I won’t miss classes hereafter,” said Mr. Uday.
Earlier, Mr. Narasimhan interacted with Minister for Human Resources Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Ambedkar University Vice-Chancellor Kuna Ramjiee in the executive council meeting.
He has sought the opinions of the professors over the research activity. He directed them to concentrate on problems like kidney diseases in Uddanam region to find out a permanent solution.
The Governor will interact with tribal people in Sithampet on Tuesday.