उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली
Hon’ble former Chief Justice of India and Chief Guest of this Ceremony, Mr. Justice Dipak Misra Ji,
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi, Professor Anu Singh Lather Ji,
Distinguished Dignitaries present, Esteemed Faculty Members,
Esteemed Members of the Media, and dear Graduating Students.
It is indeed a matter of privilege for me to be presiding over the 13th Annual Convocation of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi. Convocations are that red letter day when young scholars cross the portals of their alma mater to step into another phase of life. At the outset, my congratulations to all the graduating students and their parents.
02. Over the past 16 years, AUD has experienced remarkable growth. It has established various structures and mechanisms that work cohesively. They achieve the dual objectives of delivering high-quality education, while upholding principles of equity and social justice. Amidst several excellent institutions of higher education present in Delhi, AUD has carved a special niche for itself in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
03. During the past few years, the University has done much in terms of NEP-2020, Indian and Indigenous Knowledge System, Innovation and Community Outreach. Its recent initiatives in Vocational Courses are a welcome step aimed at making our youth employable.
04. However, as the Chancellor of the University, I would like to draw your attention towards certain critical issues that institutions of higher learning need to address.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
05. A lot has been said about the quality of the Indian higher education system. It has been said that standards are declining as a result of the vast expansion, in terms of numbers, witnessed during the past few years. On the other hand, there is this convincing argument that increasing our capacity to provide higher education, is an absolute necessity due to our growing youth population.
06. One fifth of our population is young. They are between the age group of 15-25 years. This demographic dividend is our biggest asset as we move ahead to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047 set by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji. However, this demographic dividend could turn into a demographic disaster, if it is not equipped suitably in terms of education, training and employability.
07. It is here that the institutions of higher learning in India and the education they provide, become extremely critical. The onus of providing our youth with skills and education that makes them capable of realizing their professional and scholastic aspirations, lies on our higher education system.
08. To my mind, there is no dichotomy between greater access and better quality; or between higher equity and superior standards. It is entirely possible for quantity and quality to move hand in hand. But for this, our institutions will have to make concerted efforts.
Someone has said,
“भाग्यशाली वो है, जिसे अवसर मिलता है,
प्रतिभाशाली वो है, जो अवसर पैदा करता है
विजेता वो है, जो अवसर का उपयोग करता है।“
Remember, you have got the opportunity to shape India’s destiny. Rise up to the occasion. आपको अवसर मिला है कि आप अवसर पैदा करें और हमारे युवाओं को उन अवसरों का उपयोग करने योग्य बनाएं।
Friends,
09. The concept of ‘world-class’ institutions have engaged the minds of policy-makers, educators and academic experts of late. The jury is still out on what are the parameters that make an institution world-class. However, in my simple understanding of life, “World-Class” in itself is a misnomer, since every continent, country, region or society has needs and requirements that are specific to it. Be that as it may, in the Indian context, there are some traits that should constitute the gold standard of our institutions of higher learning. Let me outline a few of them:
A sizeable presence of meritorious students and faculty, that makes the student employable globally. We have to ensure that our academics are robust enough to stop brain drain. At the same time, we are also witnessing a favourable economic climate at home that is pulling Indians working abroad, back to their motherland to seek the opportunities emerging here. Our institutions should strive to leverage this ‘brain rain’.
A proactive model of institutional governance that make the institutions to respond fast to ever emerging changes and challenges. This model will also have to instil in-built mechanism for critical analysis and honest reflection.
Ample availability of financial resources to boost physical infrastructure and academic resources: Institutions have to look beyond government funding. They have to evolve innovative mechanisms like corporate partnerships, sponsorship of chairs, and tie-ups with leading institutions.
An eco-system that supports research and innovation: A challenge for our institutions has been to retain bright students after education to do research. Most students opt for professional jobs after completion of their degrees and the ones who are academically inclined, opt for pursuing a higher degree in universities abroad. To arrest this trend, we require holistic changes in our education system. The pedagogy in our institutions at all levels has to promote creative thinking, novel learning and scientific scrutiny. Learning modules will have to be supplemented by inquiry-based project work. This will automatically generate an inclination to do research and to innovate amongst our students. If we have a large pool of meritorious researchers - complemented by top-notch research laboratories, tie-ups with industry, collaborations with foreign institutions, and an attractive compensation system - our institutions will increasingly start getting involved in cutting-edge research.
Dear Students,
10. Today is a transformative day in your journey of life. You stand at crossroads where important life decisions will have to be taken. आज आपका दीक्षांत समारोह है। यह वह महत्वपूर्ण दिन है जब आपकी दीक्षा का अंत होगा और शिक्षा की शुरुवात होगी - ऐसी शिक्षा जो जीवनभर चलेगी।
Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.
You should always be alert to the fact that:
Thousands of great ideas can’t make you successful,
But execution of one great idea can change your life.
Always remember that as you move ahead, becoming professionals, researchers, leaders and entrepreneurs, your degree that you have acquired today will only be the stepping stone. Thereafter, it is your attitude and compassion towards fellow human-beings that will shape the course of your future. I often say and I repeat,
“डिग्रियाँ तो पढ़ाई के खर्च की रसीदें हैं,
ज्ञान वही है जो व्यवहार दर्शाता है।”
11. Till now, you have had a sheltered life. A life where your parents and peers protected you and your teachers and faculty mentored you. You now enter a phase where you will have to mentor life itself. You will have to take decisions that will have far reaching ramifications. Just remember,
“बड़े निर्णय लेते वक्त डरना गलत बात नहीं है,
लेकिन डर के कारण, निर्णय ही न लें, ये गलत बात है”।
Therefore, take decisions and move ahead. Just keep in mind that your decision should be such that end up enriching you as a person, your family, the society and the nation at large.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
12. As the University gears up for expansion, the challenges of quality assurance and equitable access become important. It is my hope that the University will also strive to attain top-notch rankings and accreditation, both nationally and globally. To this end, the leadership’s plan to integrate STEM with social sciences is a step in the right direction. Collaboration with national and international organisations will further strengthen the University's position in the competitive, internationalised landscape of higher education.
13. Throughout these transformative processes, I hope the graduating students and alumni will steadfastly support the University. As ambassadors of the institution, they must explore new horizons, uphold the University's legacy, and adapt to the rapidly evolving world of innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and digital skills.
14. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all the graduating students and congratulate you on successfully completing your studies at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi.
I wish you God Speed.
Jai Hind.