Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 30: The 34th convocation ceremony of Mangalore University was held with a splendid progamme at the University campus in Mangala Gangotri, Konaje here on Wednesday March 30.
On the occasion, the University awarded Honoris Causa to A J Shetty, chairmain of AJ Shetty Group of Institutions and president of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust, Dr M L Bhyrappa, noted literatteur, and Dr C N Manjunath, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon and directorof Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru.
V K Saraswat, member, NITI Aayog, government of India and former director general of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conferred the Honoris Causa to the three eminnent personalities.
Delivering the convocation address, V K Saraswat spoke on 'Vision of Digital India for inclusive growth' and said, "There is a common thread that is binding all young people today, viz, digital information, computer, communication and cognition technology, which is also characterized as 'digital space'. It is digital space that is going to transform our education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing an delivery of services. That is why our Prime Minister has given a call for Digital India Mission."
Explaining the importance of Digital India in inclusive growth, he said, "Digital revolution has been sweepng the world and there is already explosion of information at an unprecedented scale. What is challenging is the analysis and processing of data for possible economic and social gains. There is empirical evidence to substantiate that those who can operate computer based tools and software are able to achieve higher economic growth, while those who are not able to cope with digital tools are pushed down the economic growth ladder.
"To bridge the digital divide, the PM has launched 'Digital India' programme with a commitment to transform India into a 'connected economy'. The programme aims to connect 2.5 lac villages across India through broadband highways, public internet access, universal access to mobile connectivity, e-governance, e-Kranti, information forall, a robust electronics manufacturing regime, early harvest programme and IT for jobs - known as the nine pillars of Digital India. The cost of the programme is estimated at Rs 1,13,000 crore and the PM himself would be monitoring the programme," he explained.
"Digital India programme seeks to be transformative in totality with its vision catering around three key areas - digital infrastructure as utility which seeks to give every citizen high speed internet facility, mobile phone and bank account, access to services and safe and secure cyber space; governance and services on demand which will be available in real time for online and mobile platforms; and three, empowerment of citizens, especially in rural areas by making them digitally literate by providing information in native languages.
"Among the world's countries, India is included among the 'constrained digital economies' signifying that India, at this stage, is wanting in all six identified elements of digital matrices, namely ubiquity, affordability, reliability, speed, usage and skills. To catch up with other countries, India will have to make quantum jumps in digitization," he added.
"It is expected that by 2019, India will emerge as 'advanced digital economy', and 2.5 lac villages will have broadband facility covering the entire rural India, along with phone connectivity. Use of internet in healthcare, agriculture and emergency services is also envisaged, along with 4 lac public internet access points, Wi-Fi hotspots for schools, colleges and citizens, and 1.7 crore directly employed in IT sector," he said.
Saraswat also explained how Digital India programme would bring in the Smart City revolution and control all aspects of development such as healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, water management, communication etc, and thereby enhance business opportunity and overall productivity.
Minister for higher education T B Jayachandra awarded doctorates to 55, gold medals to 39 students, and cash awards to 72 students. As many 59 rank holders from post-graduate, graduate, arts, science, commerce, education and post-graduate diploma streams were awarded certificates.
University vice-chancellor Prof Byrappa, registrar A M Khan and others were present.
Gold medal winner wants to become lecturer
Chaitra, a resident of Malpe, Udupi, who secured the gold medal and cash prize at Mangalore University convocation, wants to become a lecturer as per the wish of her mother who is a daily wager.
Chaitra is the daughter of the late Thammu and Muthu belonging to Adi Dravida community. She did her graduation from Ajjarakad G Shanker College and wants to become a lecturer after completing B Ed.
Chaitra's father passed away when she was young and her mother worked hard as daily wager to bring up her two daughters.
Her sister is working as a teacher in a primary school for the last four years. She too wants to become a lecturer in a college.
Chaitra said that she used to get up early in the morning and study hard.
Kannada lecturer Ambika also secured gold medal and three cash prizes. She did her B Ed from Alva's College, Moodbidri and is now working as the lecturer in Milagres College, Kallianpur. Her mother passed away early and she was looked after by her uncle and aunt. She is married to Ravi Shanker, resident of Santhekatte Karnataka bank employee. Her father Dattatreya Bhat is a hotelier.