Assam Governor and Chancellor of Gauhati University (GU) Jagdish Mukhi expressed concern at GU's drop in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking from 27 to 39. He urged the university to identify the areas where there are lacunae and address those judiciously.
Talking about the challenges of higher education in India and in Assam Mukhi said : "Even as we take pride in the achievement of this glorious institution, we must pause a while to consider what the future demands of us."
Presiding over the GU convocation on Wednesday last , Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi, in his address said, "Gauhati University is the result of collective dreams and aspirations of the people, which has been a leader in higher education since inception. This university has been marked with fine scholarship, strong values, good work ethics and a desire on the part of its faculty and students to reach new heights".
Padma Vibhushan award winning space scientist Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan and renowned nephrologist and renal surgeon Dr Sarbeswar Saharia were conferred the honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, while artist Neel Pawan Baruah was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy along with noted theatre personality Sukracharjya Rabha (posthumously), at the 27th convocation of the Gauhati University, in recognition of their valuable contributions in their respective fields.
Dr Kasturirangan in his address as chief guest, said, "Gauhati University, the oldest and largest university in North East India, has striven to steadily make its mark in the academic community since its inception and I hope that it continues to be the leading teaching and research institution of North East."
He further said that the challenges that universities face in the wake of globalization are enormous, and what acquires importance in this context, is the quality of education that is imparted by these centres of learning.
GU Vice Chancellor Dr Mridul Hazarika in his address said, "Every vice chancellor has to make an assessment of the institution he or she is undertaking to lead, understand its history, discover its potential, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses and finally make a realistic call on how much it is possible to achieve in the time available."
