Research must be priority of universities

IIT Professor to USTM students

RI BHOI, July 14: “PhD epitomizes the concept of higher education and modern research university. Ideas about the PhD are inseparable from those about the university and its perceived purpose and function in contemporary society. Therefore, research and innovation must be the priority for all universities”. This was stated here on Saturday by Professor PK Das of Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Guwahati. Das addressed about 70 PhD scholars at the orientation programme organized by the University of Science & Technology(USTM), Meghalaya. Another key speaker in the programme was Professor Desmond Kharmawphlang, Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong.

Speaking to the scholars’ gathering, Prof Das said, “Research is something which happens spontaneously. One must be extremely thorough and consistent during research. Any PhD research output must be of some kind of help to the community and society.”

Professor Kharmawphlang, a renowned folklorist from NEHU said, “Observe everything and absorb everything. Do not ignore the micro details. PhD calls for a lot of obligations, commitment and dedication,” This has been stated in a press release.