July 17, 2011:
“Institutes of higher learning should be built on self-faith and goodwill,” said Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, delivering the First Foundation Day Lecture in the Seminar Hall, Vikrama Simhapuri University on 17th July 2011. Referring to the ancient Indian learning as phenomenal, he said that it is time that the age-old values found restoration ushering in a new scientific awakening. He recounted the self-asserting scientific discoveries of the post-independent India as path-breaking and sensational fuelled only by innovative minds and resolved hearts, he said that funding for research by the higher research funding institutes should not be treated the be-all and end-all of research. Instilling confidence, he said when innovative minds are at work even with limited resources and in outmoded laboratories, path-breaking scientific discoveries will come to light.
Reminding that the origin of every great institute as very humble, he said that the members of faculty in such an upcoming institute possess a shared conscious that a temple of learning is in the making through their unified efforts. He said that in such common pursuits there will be no place for personal egos and identities. Dwelt on analyzing the versatility of ancient Indian education, he said that Indian education has effectively grappled with the problem of diversity challenge and enhancing its global reach. He said that Universities should have partnership with the society and they should become the fertile grounds for grooming personas with multi-faceted networking faculties.
Prof. C.R.Visweswara Rao, Vice-Chancellor, in his presidential address said that Department of Science and Technology is the leader in grooming research and development in the country. He said that DST is pivotal in tapping the power of the youth and their dynamism for national productivity. He gave a brief sketch about the achievements of the University in the past three years of its coming into being. “The Geo-spatial richness and variety of the region provides a rich and varied scope of study and he made it a point that keeping this in view the University has already applied to the DST for the grant of post graduate programme in M.Sc Geo-spatial science,” he said.
Maj.Gen. Dr. R. Siva Kumar, Head, NRDMS, New Delhi said that it is a historical opportunity for the University to conduct rich and varied studies in Geo-spatial Sciences, given the situation of the region’s strategic positioning with long coastline and rich natural resources. He said that the University can explore various possibilities of marine studies, disaster management and mitigation since the region is battered by natural calamities very often. Responding in positive about the University’s proposal for M.Sc, Geo-spatial Sciences, he said that the course will be granted very soon. He also announced the institution of Gold Medal in the University and gave the letter of acceptance to the Vice-Chancellor through the hands of Dr.T.Ramasami.
Earlier, Prof.T.Sudha, Dean CDC introduced the both the distinguished guests, Dr.T.Ramasami, and Maj.Gen.Dr.R.Siva Kumar to the audience. An interactive session in which the members of faculty of the University exchanged their views with Dr. T.Ramasami was arranged in the Registrar’s chambers. Special Officer of VSU PG Centre, Kavali, Dr. Siva Sankar, Principals of affiliated colleges, members of faculty of affiliated colleges were also present.
