Recently in one of his speeches, the Prime Minister said that it was quite disappointing to know that not a single Indian University figured among the list of top 20 universities of the world. He has also expressed his disappointment at the falling standards of research in our universities and professional institutions. This is despite the fact that our country is one among the developing countries that have elaborate and widespread educational network up to the highest level. We are all disappointed that at a time when the country is poised for a big leap forward, researches in scientific and technological fields and other activities are grossly falling. The secret of lightening advance of China, a country that attained self governance after our independence, lies in vigorous research activities carried out at all levels of education. We are producing PhDs at a mind boggling pace as if we are churning them out from a mill. But the stuff of research they present is trash and useless. This is a sordid situation.
The University of Jammu has reacted to this situation by scripting a new research modality plan at a cost of 99 crore rupees. The cost factor does not assume importance and cannot impress one. What is needed is the quality of research. By that we mean a research that become applicable in changing the economic condition and spiritual urges of our society. We agree that our young student community in the educational institutions and the faculty in the universities have the potential that would help them produce original and society-oriented researches. Providing them the necessary wherewithal or what is called the logistics is also a necessary ingredient. The VC of Jammu University has done well by candidly saying that the faculty also needs to be oriented along the line of meaningful research and that steps are underway to move in that direction. The faculty and the research fraternity need to inculcate the urge for innovation and reform and the university authorities need to offer with full gusto all facilities and conveniences needed in the pursuit of meaningful researches.
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