TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Former University Grants Chairman, Prof Arun Nigvekar has said that Goa is the best state in the country to take up the challenges in the development of new software for information communication technologies and bio-sciences and bio technologies.
“Goa is bestowed with beautiful nature. This is the best state to adopt new strategies and technologies, which are clean. Goa can sustain these challenges”, Prof Nigvekar said, while addressing the inaugural function of the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of Vidya Vikas Mandal at the Ravindra Bhavan.
He called for the blending of technology into education and that will help reach to larger number of people.
“Technology has changed the entire scenario in the world over. This is a challenge before educationists. Computers, communciations and broadcasting has helped to change everything, including aspirations of the people”, he added.
Prof Nivgekar said the rapidly expanding education is posing a challenge to the society.
“Right now, there are 1.30 crore higher secondary students. With Right to Education Act and other initiatives making education mandatory, the number of students taking to education will register a sharp rise. we are worried about the rapidly changing numbers”, he said.
Prof Nivgekar said that access to education has posed another challenge, the challenge of equity of education.
“The richest and the rich can get the best of education, while the larger mass look for good and quality education. In India, there are 25 crore families. Every family desires and craves for good and quality education”, he added.
Saying that education is the corner stone for change, Prof Nivgekar said that Vidya Vikas Mandal has the ability and the resources to provide best educational facilities for the budding youngsters.
In his address, ex-chief minister, Digambar Kamat said that only education can bring about a change in societies and families. He complimented Vidya Vikas Mandal for creating an educational hub in Margao by catering to the educational needs of the students.
In his welcome address, VVM President, Ramnath Kare said the Mandal is committed to make its institutions centers of excellence. “Goa has the potential to become the educational hub, which will make our children face global challenges”, he said, adding that the management has decided to expand VVM’s infrastructure by investing Rs 5 crore.
Margao Municipal Chairperson Arthur D’Silva, Principal Secretary Piramal Rai and VVM vice-president, Ganesh Daivajna also spoke.
