Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 5: The efforts of Yenepoya in giving greater priority to the field of medical technology are commendable, said Dr V S Kanchana Bhaskaran, vice-chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu.
She noted that the institution’s various initiatives in research and technology development are noteworthy and are creating greater opportunities for research collaboration.
She was speaking after inaugurating the Teachers’ Day celebrations organised by the Yenepoya Centre for Faculty Development (YEN-FDC) of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, at the Yendurance Auditorium on the campus. She also felicitated achievers on the occasion.
As a multidisciplinary university, Yenepoya is promoting research, the development of innovative technologies and knowledge-based activities in various fields along with the medical sector. Such initiatives are conducive to the growth of higher education, she said.
For India’s higher education sector to become stronger at the global level, greater emphasis must be placed on research, technology and academic collaboration, she said. India has been at the forefront of higher education and knowledge traditions since ancient times. Universities such as Takshashila and Nalanda attracted students and knowledge seekers from different parts of the world.
The need of the hour is to take forward that rich knowledge tradition by integrating it with modern science, technology and research, she said. Technology and research are key driving forces behind the country’s progress, and universities must play a significant role in transforming India into a knowledge- and technology-based nation by encouraging young researchers, she added.
Presiding over the programme, Dr K S Gangadhara Somayaji, vice-chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), said that the teaching profession is no longer the same as it was in the past. With the rapid development of technology, major changes are taking place in the education system, and teachers must use technology effectively to make the teaching process more attractive, easier and more effective.
If technology is used appropriately, teaching can become more appealing to students, provide them with a better learning experience and help them understand subjects in greater depth. Otherwise, there is a possibility of falling behind by failing to adapt to changing times, and a situation could arise in the future where students surpass their teachers, he said.
Teachers should not remain merely instructors but should also serve as mentors, counsellors and guides to students. Their role is important not only in the academic growth of students but also in shaping their personal and professional futures, he said.
At the same time, teachers today face several responsibilities and pressures. They are expected to conduct research, publish research papers, encourage new innovations and continuously develop professionally, among other responsibilities. Despite all these pressures, teachers have the important responsibility of maintaining the quality of education, he said.
On the occasion, faculty members who have excelled in various fields — Dr Abhay S Nirgude, Dr Bhagya S Sharma and Dr Ashwini S Shetty — were felicitated. Dr V S Kanchana Bhaskaran was also honoured by Yenepoya University.
Deputy director Dr Rashmi Jain welcomed the gathering. Yenepoya University registrar Dr Ashwini Dutt R presented details of the awardees. Dr Imran Pasha M delivered the vote of thanks.