To propel universities onto the global stage, fostering a culture of research and innovation is paramount. Dr. B.S. Murty, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H), recently emphasized that educational institutions must empower students to choose research topics that genuinely pique their interest. This freedom, he asserted, is crucial for igniting a passion for groundbreaking discoveries and driving significant advancements.
Dr. Murty is a strong proponent of self-directed learning and intrinsic motivation, viewing them as fundamental pillars of academic excellence. He advocated for a curriculum where at least 10% is dedicated to liberal arts, creative disciplines, and interdisciplinary sciences such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, and history. This holistic approach aims to broaden students’ perspectives and foster well-rounded development.
These insights were shared during Mahatma Gandhi University’s (MGU) fourth convocation ceremony in Nalgonda, where Dr. Murty addressed graduating students, faculty, and administrators. He passionately called for an environment that nurtures bold ideas, facilitates their transformation into practical projects, and ultimately builds thriving innovation ecosystems.
Highlighting IIT-H’s own success in this area, Dr. Murty proudly shared that the institute has supported 320 startups this year, generating substantial revenue. Furthermore, IIT-H boasts 180 B.Tech innovations and 219 patents. He encouraged students to dedicate time to understanding the challenges faced by underserved communities, urging them to look beyond traditional academics and cultivate empathy through purposeful innovations that benefit society.
Dr. Murty concluded by stressing the importance of inclusive growth, aligning with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He stated, "Unchecked growth, like cancer, ultimately achieves nothing; only equitable progress truly endures."
During the ceremony, Governor and University Chancellor Jishnu Dev Varma awarded doctoral degrees to 22 candidates and presented gold medals to 57 deserving students for their outstanding academic achievements. A total of 16,210 undergraduate, 3,200 postgraduate, and 7,800 B.Ed degrees were conferred for the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In his address, Governor Varma highlighted MGU’s vital role as a rural university in democratizing quality education for marginalized and underprivileged students. His speech underscored the university’s commitment to values, innovation, and fostering inclusive growth.
Vice-Chancellor Khaja Althaf Hussain provided an overview of the university’s progress, detailing key academic reforms, including the introduction of innovative courses designed to meet contemporary demands, alongside a rigorous attendance policy. He spoke about MGU’s rapid development of a robust research ecosystem and its dedicated efforts to support student and faculty-led projects, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Mr. Hussain expressed the university’s ambition to achieve an ‘A’ grade in the upcoming National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluation.