Mangalore: Universities should contribute to technology development: ISRO chief
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Feb 24: While as many as 112 students (20 in Arts, 68 in Science, 8 in Commerce and 16 in Education), were awarded doctoral degrees (PhD), nearly 38 students were honored with gold medals and about 65 students received cash prizes for their outstanding performance in the last academic year.
The honours were awarded to students at the 32nd Convocation programme, held at Mangala Auditorium, Mangalore University, on Monday February 24. Dr K Radhakrishnan, secretary, Department of Space, Government of India, and chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was the chief guest on the occasion.
Delivering the convocation address, Dr Radhakrishnan said, “Universities must contribute to the development of new technology. The launch vehicle programme and the satellite have been contributing tirelessly for achieving technological capabilities that are essential for the nation. The space-based assets - a constellation of 24 satellites around Mother Earth - have enabled applications focused towards food and water security, weather and climate, environment and ecosystem, education and health care, skill development, rural communication, infrastructure development, disaster management support, smart governance, and sustainable development.”
He further said, “The Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System has always ensured the information backbone that is essential for the management of natural resources. In the recent past, we have enhanced our capability in the launch of RISAT-1 satellite which opened up our access to microwave remote sensing, SARAL which provides ocean surface topography, and facilitates application in marine and sea state forecasting are some of them.”
Talking in a nutshell about the contribution of ISRO to the country, Dr Radhakrishnan said, “In November last year, our Mars Orbiter spacecraft embarked upon a long journey towards Mars, making it the first ‘Made in India’ object to leave the Earth’s sphere of influence. It is on course for its arrival near Mars on September 24, 2014, after a voyage of nearly 68 crore kilometres. We are moving towards enhanced launch capability through our GSLC Mk-III launch vehicle and even higher-powered vehicles in the years to come. We have set uphill challenges before us that promise an active, fulfilling, and technologically gratifying future for the Indian space programme,” he further said advising the universities to contribute to new technological development.
Later, Dr Radhakrishnan inaugurated the new management block, SVP Institute of Kannada Studies, and mini auditorium complex on the university campus.
Vice-chancellor of Mangalore University Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, registrar Prof P S Yadapadithaya, registrar (evaluation) Prof B Narayana, deans, members of syndicate and academic councils were present on the dais.