Higher Education has to become 21st century compatible: President Ram Nath Kovind

Stressing on the need to upgrade our higher educational system, the President Ram Nath Kovind has called on the educational institutions to make future proof to the extent possible.

"Our education infrastructure, curricula and modes of teaching have to become 21st century compatible and be nimble and dynamic enough to constantly embrace change," President Kovind said while addressing the inaugural function of the golden jubilee celebrations of Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi on Wednesday.

"As visitor of the University of Delhi and of over a hundred other universities, these are issues that concern me. In the days ahead, I look forward to meaningful discussions on such subjects with our academic community," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of Jesus and Mary College was a matter of honour for him. This institution has contributed enormously to the cause of education in New Delhi and in our country. For five decades, it has taught and prepared young women to break glass ceilings, to achieve their potential, contribute to society and to the economy, and become part of the process of nation building.

Acknowledging the contribution of the Christian community in Indian educational system, the president said, "History of Christians in India goes back 2,000 years and it has contributed so much to our shared culture. Christian culture has carved a special role for itself in education. Missionary institutions such as this one have become symbols of scholarship, dedicated teaching and academic excellence. This is so appropriate. For all religions in their essence, urge us to constantly learn, evolve, and grow, to acquire knowledge and gain wisdom so become better human beings.

The President emphasized on saying that the goal of education is not just to acquire knowledge. That is only a starting point. It is much more critical to use the knowledge one gets from education to enhance the welfare of the less privileged among us.

The truly educated are not those who collect degrees, but those who use those degrees and the underlying scholarship to become nation builders in our society. Jesus and Mary College is a role model for others. It is a matter of great happiness that the college has chosen its golden jubilee to collaborate with a nearby NDMC school and facilitate the development of the school and its children. This is a praiseworthy example of giving back to society. Other colleges can adopt it too.

The President concluded by saying that "India is in the midst of multiple transformations. We are an old civilization but a young people. In the first half of the 21st century, we will have the largest young population in any country of the world. It is crucial to harness the energy of our young people and use it to make our country a developed society. Education is fundamental to this effort - calling for both access to education and quality of education." 

-ANI