In today's society, trust is the biggest causality: Kuladhar Saikia

TU observes 27th Foundation Day

A Correspondent

Tezpur: Amidst ecstatic fervor and enthusiasm, Tezpur University (TU) observed its 27th foundation day on Tuesday with a host of activities. The event started with hoisting of the university's flag by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vinod Kumar Jain in the presence of other dignitaries and guests.

Later delivering the welcome address, Prof. Jain noted the impressive strides the university had made over the years of its existence. Highlighting the h-index, which is a metric that attempts to measure both the productivity and citation impact of the publications indicating the quality of research in an institution, he pointed out that the university has an h-index of 74. He further said that owing to good achievements by the university, it was becoming a coveted destination for students and researchers.

Prof. Ved Prakash, noted academician and former chairperson, University Grants Commission, and distinguished guest on the occasion then delivered the first foundation day oration. Speaking on the occasion, he pointed out that universities were entrusted to bring about social change with the aim of promoting 'oneness for the world'. "What happens on the campuses is very important. The role and functions of a university cannot be identical. It must differ from each other but at the same time they must offer liberal education," Prof Prakash said. He also emphasized the need of having inclusive curricula. "Our curricula should be inclusive and must include humanism. We should care for nature and values that benefit society," he said. On higher education, the former chairperson of the UGC observed that India needed to provide such education through which the country could compete globally. On the need for values and ethics in teaching, he made a very thought-provoking statement, "The world loves talent but rewards character."

Following Prof. Ved Prakash's speech, the chief guest, Dr. Kuladhar Saikia, former Director-General of Police (DGP) of Assam and president-elect of Axam Xahitya Xabha, then delivered the second foundation day oration. He was prompt to point out that society was increasingly becoming a society where trust was the biggest causality. "Lack of trust has engulfed us and due to trust deficit perhaps the community bond is also breaking," the noted litterateur of Assam said. He also asserted that while virtues such as trust and compassion were not reflected in one's mark sheet, without these humane values society could not function. He concluded his speech by emphasizing the need to ask questions and continue the quest to learn at every stage of life.

In between the two foundation day orations, the students of the university enthralled the audience with the recitation of Borgeet and orchestra performance. The proceedings for the day ended with the vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Debabrata Das, chairperson of the organizing committee for the foundation day celebrations, followed by the national anthem.

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