Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu called upon universities to encourage scientific research in traditional knowledge systems such as organic farming and medicinal systems and ‘rediscover our intellectual capital’ in a systematic way.
He appreciated Sikkim, a leader in organic farming, for having started vocational training on the subject in all its secondary and senior secondary schools, apart from bringing out new primary textbooks with focus on sustainable development.
He was laying the foundation stone virtually for the Khangchendzonga State University in Sikkim. Stressing on the important role of universities in fast-tracking all-round development, Naidu observed that ‘with quality higher education, Sikkim can be a pace setter in making education an important catalyst for sustainable development’.
Naidu said that universities in the region must develop linkages with the industry and local institutions to design innovative solutions to problems that are specific to the region. “In other words, think globally but act locally”, he said and urged students to take advantage of the region’s natural strengths in eco-tourism, horticulture and handicrafts and strive for excellence.
Noting the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector in India, Naidu said that education cannot remain static and called for innovation and adaptation to the changing market demands.
Observing that the digital component of education would be a permanent feature, Naidu called for democratizing technology to make learning opportunities more accessible and affordable for rural students. He also called upon central and state governments to give a boost to the development of quality digital content in local and regional languages.
Lauding Sikkim’s efforts in higher education, Shri Naidu noted that the state has the highest Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education at 75.8%. He also appreciated the setting up of the Sikkim Education Reforms Commission (SERC) headed by the Chief Minister to ensure sincere implementation of NEP, 2020. “I compliment the state government for its proactive role in shaping Sikkim as the educational hub in the North East”, he said.
Later, Naidu unveiled a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Raj Bhawan, Sikkim in the presence of various officials and dignitaries.
