Situation In Higher Education "A Quiet Crisis Which Runs Deep", Says President, Quoting The National Knowledge Commission

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the thirty fourth Annual Convocation of the University of Burdwan, West Bengal today (November 22, 2013).

Speaking on the occasion, the President expressed disappointment over the quality of higher education in the country and said there is no room for complacency. India will be able to attain high economic growth and become a leader in the comity of nations only by developing a knowledge economy. Pointing out that research is a neglected area in Universities, the President quoted the National Knowledge Commission, from its Report in 2006, where it described the situation of higher education as a "quiet crisis that runs deep".

Pointing out that there is no dearth of talent in the faculty or students of the country, the President said what is needed is more coordinated efforts. The President said India was at the top of higher education in the world for almost 1800 years and students from foreign countries flocked to India. Stating that technology is power, the President called upon academia to give priority to research.

This release issued at 1445 hrs.