Vice-President calls for research-oriented education

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Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan (centre) unveiling the plaque for a research park at Kongu Engineering College at Perundurai in Erode on Saturday. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (third left) and Judge of Supreme Court of India Justice M.M. Sundresh (third right) are also seen. | Photo Credit: M. GOVARTHAN

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday (August 29) stressed the need to move from degree-oriented education to research-based learning, saying research and innovation were vital to addressing social challenges and bringing about meaningful transformation.

Addressing the Founder’s Day celebrations of the Kongu Vellalar Institute of Technology Trust, he said higher education and research, particularly their impact on society, were key to the country’s progress. He unveiled a plaque for the ₹100-crore research park, ‘Arivukoodam’, to be established on the premises of Kongu Engineering College.

Mr. Radhakrishnan urged students to continually strengthen their knowledge and skills in science and technology in view of the rapid emergence of new technologies. They should recognise that change was inevitable and equip themselves to adapt to it, he said.

“Problems are endless. If we solve one problem, another will emerge. We must face problems without becoming lethargic and remain calm. For this, we need to practise yoga,” he said. He asked students to look beyond obtaining degrees and develop research and innovation capabilities that could benefit society. The contribution of higher education and research should be assessed by its impact on society, he said.

The Kongu region was known for its tradition of hospitality and welcoming people, Mr. Radhakrishnan said. He recalled the institution’s contribution to providing scientific and technical education at a time when the number of graduates was limited.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the world had remained virtually paralysed for nearly two years as countries struggled to respond to the crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called upon Indian scientists to develop a vaccine, resulting in India developing its own COVID-19 vaccine, he said. India provided free vaccination to its population of about 140 crore and supplied free vaccines to 100 poorer countries, he said. “We want humanity to live together, world peace and nations to grow together,” he added.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said India’s emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy was a significant achievement. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said India should aspire to become the leading power in the world. He also said 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 12 years, describing it as a major achievement of the Narendra Modi government.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said the institution had built a strong legacy reflecting the region’s people, culture, heritage and educational traditions.