Need to reorient higher education, says Venkaiah Naidu

Mumbai: Vice-President of India, Venkaiah Naidu, said that India must reorient its higher education system, in order to be globally competitive. He was addressing the graduating students at the 16th convocation ceremony of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai on Tuesday.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Naidu said that knowledge would drive the Indian economy and play a vital role in improving the living conditions of the people. “The time has come for India to once again emerge as the global knowledge hub. Moving away from the colonial mindset, the education system should be reoriented. It must teach history in an objective manner as it actually unfolded. Education is not only for employment, it should empower the individual with knowledge and wisdom.”

Mr Naidu added that access to quality education for all and at all levels is equally essential to ensure inclusive growth and prevent any kind of discrimination. “The educational institutions, especially universities, must reinvent themselves as hubs of vibrant intellectual pursuit, with academic excellence and social,” he added.

In order to be a USD ten trillion-dollar economy in 2030, India’s real rate of growth must be at least 7 per cent per annum, the Vice-President added.