Former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said that India will have to graduate into knowledge and innovative research to emerge as leader in real terms. Stressing that research was foundation for academic excellence he said that we have to apply new methods and techniques to take the country to the summit globally.Dr. Kalam was addressing the first Convocation of Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences at Solan today.
He said that the purpose of real education was to lead the youth to outshine in the selected field. Emphasising the need of research work, he said that research leads to quality teaching and quality teaching imparted to the youth in turn enriches the research. Dr. Kalam said that economy and environment are linked to technology, which promotes prosperity. He said that India was rich in bio-persity which could be of immense use in the field of drug evolution. The Pharma industry and pharmacists should do exhaustive research and evolve drugs based on traditional Indian plants and herbs to combat many of the prevalent diseases around the world. He called upon the pharmacists and the students of various disciplines to keep these targets in mind and contribute adequately for the realization of Indian Pharma Vision 2020. He expressed happiness that Shoolini University was providing value based quality education to students of all sections of society. He added that Shoolini University should set a target to be amongst the top 100 global universities in coming years.Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh expressed gratitude to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for his presence in the convocation.
Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had taken significant strides in the direction of human resource development. Major health and demographic indicators and literacy rate have shown significant improvement in the last two decades.
He said that in an era of global economy, universities must endeavour to develop into an internationally recognized centre of research and education. This would enable to meet the future needs and challenges in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, food technology, nanotechnology, information technology and other disciplines.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said Himachal Pradesh had taken a lead in mitigating climate change and conservation of environment and had initiated concrete steps for reducing Green House Gas emissions. State Government was laying special emphasis on harnessing this natural wealth of medicinal plants, besides it had earmarked Rs 10 crore for raising 45 lakh herbal plant species in the State this year.
Chief Minister said that the State Government was according priority to education and 17.6 per cent of the total State budget was being spent on this vital sector. Shri Virbhadra Singh assured all possible assistance for creation of basic amenities to the university and added that Rupees nine crore had already been sanctioned for tarring of Ochhghat to Kumarhatti road to facilitate the educational institutions and people of the area.
Dr. Kalam and Chief Minister planted saplings on the occasion.Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. P.K. Khosla presented the report of the university.Dr. Kalam presented four books authored by him for the university Library. Chancellor, Prof. Ramesh K. Mehan and Prof. P.K. Khosla also expressed their views on the occasion. Later Dr. Kalam inaugurated the website of the university. Atul Khosla, Dean, Faculty of Management Science and Liberal Arts presented vote of thanks.