Need to improve quality of teaching in univs to increase job opportunities for youth: Guv

Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel said that the number of girl students in Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith (MGKV) University is less than the total number of male students, but they outnumbered them in winning medals. She said that higher education is an important factor in bringing change in society. “We have to improve the quality of teaching in our universities, which will increase career opportunities for our youth,” she said.
The Governor was speaking at the 44th convocation of MGKV varsity on Saturday. Degrees were awarded to 67,916 graduates of various faculties, 9,277 post-graduates, 48 research students, and one girl student was awarded D.Litt. The Governor honoured 65 meritorious students with gold medals for their achievements. Encouraging those students who missed the medal by a few marks, the Governor said that going back and forth by a few marks will not affect their future. “Success in life will be achieved by better use of knowledge and pursuit of goals with dedication and devotion,” she said.
She said that knowledge should not be a means to get a job. “The meaning of education cannot be proved without connecting education with the public interest,” she said, exhorting the students to contribute to the upliftment of the nation and society. “India’s youth power is becoming a global identity at the international level,” she said, motivating the students for self-employment. The Governor praised the MGKV university for implementing an innovative curriculum in line with the new National Education Policy, signing important MoUs in various fields to promote entrepreneurship, enhance the efficiency of students and increase opportunities for growth.
She appreciated the martial arts training programme for girls at MGKV for self-defence. Motivating the students for self-reliance, the Governor asked them to adopt global thinking by staying connected to the workplace in life. The students should work with an open mind, an open heart and a strong will.
Patel asked the universities to give information about organic farming and production of millets to students and farmers. She said that saving the health and potential of the land is a big challenge. “In such a situation, we have to promote organic and cow-based farming,” she said. Referring to the growing demand for coarse grains globally, the health benefits of its use and the less water consumption in its production, she said that they do not require urea and other chemicals in their cultivation, so it is also better for the environment.
Drawing the attention of the students towards climate change, the Governor also discussed the value of natural resources like environmental protection, tree plantation, water conservation in the present scenario. She said that as much water is used by the universities throughout the year, they should make effective efforts to conserve it.
Referring to the global participation of India's youth power, the Governor said that universities will have to play an important role for the multifaceted all-round development of the students. Speaking about the meetings of G-20 countries in India, she encouraged the university to participate enthusiastically in this event. She said that universities should select such meritorious students who are knowledgeable in foreign languages. These students can interact with representatives of G-20 countries to disseminate information about university innovations, digital promotion of startups and other activities.