The former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee described technical institutions and universities as the ‘temples of modern India.’ Speaking at the convocation of Techno India University, the former President said, “Right after Independence, education was recognised as the first step taken for the socio-economic emancipation. Apart from focusing on the school education, we had a focus on the scientific education to bring about a total regeneration.”

He said, “Our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru took the initiative of inviting Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai to organise space research is still paying dividends. We have seen its results in the launching of Chandrayaan 2 two days back.” Emphasizsing on the need for re-orientation of our education system, Mr Mukherjee said that the students should become equipped with necessary skills and technical knowledge which will help them in becoming innovativemakers and risk takers.

“Science and technology is about taking risks. Thomas Alva Edison failed a thousand times before he developed light bulb. What we are witnessing today is rote-learning and memorising by the students,” the former President said.

There is a huge demand for professional and vocational education in India and these private universities have enriched the quality of technical education.

Praising the university for its contribution in building an industry-friendly syllabus and collaboration between the students and the industry experts, Mr Mukherjee, who began his life as a school teacher, said that skill development is the necessity of the hour and skill-based education should be imparted from grassroots level.

Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi, who was the guest of honour at the programme, said that learning does not end with merely getting a degree and in this university, students are exposed to the education which caters to the current industry demands.

The scholarship given by the university aims to help underprivileged yet talented and meritorious students in attaining success and two students will be shortlisted each year for this scholarship, starting from this academic session.

Honorary D. Litt degrees were awarded to Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty, Dr Sukumar Sen and professor S. M. Chatterjee by the former President.