CM Awards Doctorates, Degrees at Mangalore Varsity Convocation
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Feb 23: The 30th annual convocation ceremony of Mangalore University was held in the Mangala Auditorium, Mangalagangothri here on Thursday February 23.
Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who has additional charge of higher education ministry and is also the pro-chancellor of Mangalore University graced the occasion and conferred doctorates on three eminent personalities namely Dr Srikumar Banerjee (science and technology), Dr Govinda Rao Marapalli (education), Yerya Laxminarayana Alva (literature and social service).
Dr Srikumar Banerjee, chairman, atomic energy commission and secretary to government of India, Department of Atomic Energy was the chief guest and delivered the convocation address.
He said that one of the major challenges before humanity today is to fulfill the aspirations of a large population of the developing world and at the same time preserve the environment. Global problem can be tackled if serious attention is paid to three major issues viz. education, energy and environment, he pointed out.
"The current generation is at crossroads where a significant increase in energy generation is essential keeping in view the resource preservation and protection of environment. At this juncture, it is to be noted that such conflicting scenario is not taking place for the first time. Two centuries ago the industrial revolution too had caused widespread damage due to use of coal from steam power after James Watt’s invention, which altered the way of life of millions of people. A few consequences were also serious. Agriculture lost its importance, large scale migration of people to the cities caused unhealthy living conditions in urban areas, industrial and environmental pollution, dreadful working conditions. Hence there is need for innovative technology solutions," he said.
"By innovation, we can deviate from the well-trodden path. The traditional energy generation scenario is heavily dependent on the fossil fuel consisting of coal, oil and natural gas. In the Indian context, to reach a per capita annual energy target of 5000 kWh by the year 2050, the fossil fuel-based thermal power plants will be required to add a capacity of over 600 gigawatts in the next four decades. Also in order to avoid effect of climate change, there is need for increase the carbon-free sources of energy in a sustained manner, that is some combination of nuclear, renewable and fossil fuel with sequestration," he said and added that India should consider nuclear energy as a primary source of energy with a large potential.
On the occasion, 44 doctorate degrees (arts - 13, science - 26, commerce - 5), 35 gold medals and 57 cash prizes, and 62 ranks including 44 in PG, 18 in UG, 12 in arts, 33 in science and technology, 9 in commerce, 3 in law, 3 in education and 2 in PG diploma were awarded. Also, two gold medals were conferred, one each on MCJ and MBA post graduate achievers. Prof K Chinnappa Gowda, registrar among others were present.
No Need to Give Importance to Yeddyurappa's Lunch Meeting: DVS
Earlier, speaking to reporters at the helipad, CM Sadananda Gowda said that the recent turmoil in state political scenario has not affected the administration of the government.
To a query on confusion with regard to continuing in his post as CM after former CM Yeddyurappa has been creating trouble, he said though trivial issues exist in the party, there was no need to give any importance to Yeddyurappa's meeting with some of his MLA followers.
He coined it as ‘lunch party’ which was pre-planned. Even he would have gone for the party and taken part in it, he added.
He said by March 1, the citizen charter will be implemented and concluded.
He has full confidence of completing the term as CM, he said.