President Droupadi Murmu on Monday regretted that not a single institution in India was ranked in the first 50 educational institutions in the world.

 

Addressing the 69th annual convocation  of IIT Kharagpur, the President said though imparting “good education” is more important than race for ranking, Kharagpur IIT being the oldest in the country should make efforts in this direction.

 

“It is a matter of concern that not even a single educational institution of such a vast country with the world’s oldest knowledge tradition is among the top 50 educational institutions in the world.The race for ranking is not more important than imparting a good education. However, good ranking not only attracts students  and faculty from all over the world but also increases the reputation of the country. IIT Kharagpur being the oldest IIT of the country, should make its efforts in this direction,” she said in her address.

 

She said that everyone should enjoy the right to access to technology which will promote social justice and equality rather than increasing the gap in the society. She also appreciated the digital payment system technology system which has simplified the lives of people.

 

“I have said before that everyone should have the right to technology. It should be used for the purpose of promoting social justice and equality and not to widen the gap in society. Digital Payment System Technogy is the best example of simplifying the lives of common people. Today even the smallest shopkeepers are using digital payment for very small amounts,” she said.

 

President Murmu emphasized on greater participation of women in the field of science and technology education.

 

She said that among the 3205 students graduating from IIT Kharagpur 21 percent of the graduates were “daughters”.  She said greater participation  of women in science and technology is required for making the society strong and healthy. She conveyed special congratulations to the women graduates.

 

IIT Kharagpur director VK Tewari, chairman of board of governors, TV Narendran, state minister Manas Bhunia and several other dignitaries were present at the convocation.