President Pratibha Patil exhorted universities to have an atmosphere supportive of innovation and research that is useful to people, especially in addressing energy related issues.
President Pratibha Patil exhorted universities to have an atmosphere supportive of innovation and research that is useful to people, especially in addressing energy related issues.
Speaking at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Symbiosis International University (SIU) at its Lavale campus on Saturday, she asked SIU chancellor SB Mujumdar to consider conducting research on low-cost solar panels at the varsity.
“In India, we have launched the Jawaharlal Nehru national solar mission to develop solar energy in the country. One of the constraints we face is high cost of solar panels. I wonder would it, for example, be possible for technical students of your university to find an innovative way of making cheaper and more efficient solar cells, or to find an alternate cost-effective technology to harness solar energy?” said Patil.
She also appreciated SIU for its inclusive culture, where students from different countries can study together. Stressing on imparting education with values, she said that universities should be symbols of learning, humanism, tolerance and balanced reasoning.
Speaking to students, Patil asked them to have single-minded devotion to achieve goals and work on time management. “Ask questions and find answers. Do not be afraid of making a mistake. From mistakes, one develops a greater understanding,” she said.
Professor Bertil Andersson, president of Nanyang Technological University, and Sundeep Waslekar, president of Strategic Foresight Group, were conferred honorary doctorates. A total of 4,058 candidates participated in the convocation ceremony.
Five students, Sameer Kapoor, Amit Patil, IM Chatterjee, Shama Singh and Vivek Srivastava, were awarded PhDs.
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