TALEIGAO: Claiming that Goa’s promotion of girls’ education is a model for other states, President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said the tenacity and academic outcomes of girl students would prove to be a ‘game changer’ for India.
President Kovind was in Goa to preside over the 30th convocation of Goa University (GU) in the presence of Goa Governor and GU Chancellor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Vice-Chancellor Varun Sahni.
“Travelling across the country, I have been struck by the tenacity and academic outcomes of girl students. This is a game changer for our society, and Goa’s promotion of girls’ education is a model for other states. Sixty per cent of students here are girls, and 63 per cent of the toppers and medallists at Friday’s ceremony are girls,” Kovind said, addressing the gathering
He said, “I am told that of the 67 gold medals being awarded at the convocation, 41 have been won by girl students. This is an outstanding achievement for not just your (GU) and for Goa, but for the entire country.”
He further said that quality has to be visible not just in the content of what is being taught and learnt, but also in how it is being taught and learnt while claiming that institutions and initiatives such as NAAC and NIRF are crucial and help benchmark universities.
“In the end a university has to compete not so much against another but against itself. The pursuit of excellence requires individuals and institutions to be self-starters,” he said.
The President further urged the promotion of a culture of entrepreneurship among students and researchers and an emphasis on self mobilisation.
“There are ample case studies from university campuses across the world, and I am confident that Goa University too can march towards down this road. I would nudge you towards focussed partnerships with industry and other external institutions,” the President said.
He also said that Goa University has a liberal and cosmopolitan character keeping in the ethos of the State claiming that this is a major strength and should not get diluted.
“I must make a special mention of the visiting research professorship programme that is now in its sixth year. This is fairly unique in our country and it has facilitated a number of scholars, practitioners and artistes of international repute to come to Goa University and share their knowledge. Other universities can learn from this open door approach,” he added.
