Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi said that in the face of globalization, the concept of education should be redefined with a special emphasis on addressing the needs and aspirations of the people.
Addressing the sixth convocation of Assam Down Town University in Guwahati on Saturday, Prof Mukhi emphasized that the quality of education delivered by the universities should reflect on establishment of critical linkages with the industries.
The Governor who is also the visitor of Assam Down Town University said that a university should take the responsibility as a part of its academic performance to establish more collaboration with internationally acclaimed institutions to exchange knowledge and design curriculum to ensure its (curriculum’s) relevance with industries. He also said that Assam Down Town University should take a lead in this aspect by establishing more linkages with the industries so that it can take the lead in increasing the employability of the students.
In this context, Prof Mukhi also harped on an integrated system of education which is known as STEM, means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. He said this STEM system of education strives for educating the students in an interdisciplinary applied approach by integrating these disciplines into an interconnected learning pattern along with real life applications.
This system if applied dedicatedly creates critical thinkers, problem solvers and next generation innovators, leading to better employability of the students.
Governor Prof Mukhi also appealed to Assam Down Town University to play a pivotal role to shape this interdisciplinary applied approach through its academic modules and create a new dimension in the academic landscape of the region.
He also expressed happiness that it is because of universities from private sectors, the GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) has been increasing phenomenally which aims at attaining 30 per cent by 2020, to increase the employability aspect of the state.
The Governor also congratulated the 111 students on receiving degrees in the convocation and said that conferment of degrees on them has increased their responsibility to utilize their merits to the growth of the state, region and the nation and for the welfare of the humanity as a whole.