Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Inauguration of the International Conference on the Theme "Facing Global and Local Challenges: the New Dynamics of Higher Education"

It is, indeed, a pleasure for me to inaugurate this Conference on Higher Education in which delegates from 14 countries of South, Southwest and Central Asia are participating. This is an opportunity for those working in the higher education sector, to share their thoughts, views and best practices so that higher education serves its purpose of contributing to human welfare.

Education should empower the people of a country to meet the challenges of a knowledge based society of the 21st century. It should prepare them to contribute constructively - as enlightened citizens not only to nation building but also to the world.

Peaceful and prosperous nations are predicated on an educated, well-informed and well-meaning population. All countries should set up progressive and well-regulated education systems that impart quality education, while meeting the aspirations of all segments of society. This challenge translates itself to the target of providing increased opportunities of higher education in a wide range of subjects. Universities and institutes among others, of technology, science, engineering, medicine, law, management and vocational training have a critical role in meeting the requirements of a country for trained professionals with a sound knowledge of their respective disciplines and of a skilled human resource base. Many countries, particularly developing countries, face a shortfall in skilled manpower. To fill these gaps increased financial outlays on education are necessary. The international community, including UNESCO, should support developing countries in their national efforts by making available financial resources.

Expansion of the higher education system must be accompanied by steps to ensure quality and high standards. This demands structural changes. Adjustments need to be made within institutions especially on learning strategies and curriculum content. Quality assurance mechanisms which encourage the robust development of higher education should be adopted.

We often speak about inequities that exist in higher education. Inequities can be corrected by following inclusive approaches in the overall policy framework which provides opportunities for talent to blossom. Higher education poses for many the challenge of having access to adequate finance. A scheme for making scholarships available to students and providing interest subsidies on educational loans for professional courses is important for ensuring that nobody is denied professional education on account of lack of financial resources. Children from under privileged sections of society are often faced with this challenge. I feel that there should be a talent search process at the middle school level for identifying deserving and meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds who should be supported for higher education. This young talent should be nurtured and special attention given to them. It would be a loss for the nation if due to lack of finance deserving students cannot pursue their education. A special revolving fund should be created from which loans at no interest are given to them for pursuing higher education and which they can return after they start earning.

Gains of education will reach society if women's participation in higher education sector is increased. Once having achieved education, women could become "harbingers of change" in their homes and local communities. It is a welcome sign that more women today are seeking higher education. Hence, there is need to provide more opportunities for women in higher education and ensure their fullest participation. There has been considerable rise in representation of women on decision-making boards and academia. This process must be encouraged.

No institute can claim to have achieved its objectives unless it fulfils its social responsibility. It would be useful if in the curriculum an outreach programme is incorporated where interaction of the students with marginalized sections of society and in neighbouring communities is included. This would provide students an understanding of the social milieu in which they work and make them responsive to the needs of those around them. Education should contribute, in a broader sense, to the improvement of the quality of life. In this context, a focus on research and development is extremely important. A quest for learning and a questioning mind, push the frontiers of knowledge. A hunger for knowledge will result in delving deep into subjects, researching and innovating. Research in the field of humanities will help in a better understanding of society and its impulses. Research in the field of science and technology can result in improved productivity in agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. The power of science can be harnessed in a number of fields whether it is health, medicine, irrigation, environment, communication, transport, engineering, pharma, space, amongst others.

For education to be useful it needs to be comprehensive. There are questions on which sometimes less emphasis is placed in our educational system, but they are of enormous importance. This is building the character of the youth. What values should be inculcated in them? How to make them individuals who understand the virtues of hardwork, discipline and dedication? How to help them understand the importance of the common thread of humanity that binds us all together? This common thread is the universal desire for peace and harmony - it is like the thread that holds together a beautiful garland of flowers of many colours, fragrance and variety. Different faiths, languages, ethnicities, races that exist in the world should come together as a garland of peace. This requires that we must have respect and tolerance for each other's views and backgrounds. These attitudes are important and higher education should promote such commonalities and strengths.

Drug consumption among students is a matter of concern. Drugs debilitate life and when students take to drugs they are drawn away from academic and intellectual pursuits, often disturbing campus life. There should be a campaign to make students aware of the ill effects of drug consumption. Education involves a process of learning and sometimes unlearning as well. Learn what is good and useful to society and unlearn what is harmful to you and society. Education should impart values to the youth that makes them sensitive to fellow human beings and the environs around them. As Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said, and I quote, "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence." Unquote.

Information technology has provided immediate connectivity to people around the globe. Nations and academic institutions must constructively cope with these implications. To spread the reach of education and to improve its quality, we should try to use the power of information and communication technologies to reach the 'last of the untaught' particularly in the rural areas. ICT can be used for adopting better teaching and learning practices and can enhance the sharing of available resources, in terms of books, journals and learning materials. We must also focus on surmounting the digital divide, while attempting to use the power of ICT.

Our countries are contiguous in this region. Our geographical boundaries should not be looked upon as creating hindrances in thinking about the common good of humanity but should rather work to combine us for the common good. I am reminded that even in ancient times, the various trade routes that existed in Central and South Asia, were conduits not only for trade, but were also important paths for cultural and technological transmission. In ancient times, this region had many places like Taxila, Vikramshila, Nalanda, amongst others. Centuries ago they were centres for exchange of ideas between scholars who travelled far and wide from various places in our region. This can be our inspiration to once again spark this great exchange process. I have always believed that interaction between educational institutions and exchange of students is an excellent way to promote friendship and understanding between nations. It also promotes international goodwill.

In the next two days, I am sure that a meaningful dialogue will take place on all these issues in a manner so as to further the goal of higher education and contribute to the global discourse.

I convey my best wishes for the success of this Conference and also wish the visiting delegations from other countries a pleasant stay in India.

Thank you.  
Jai Hind