Ronita Torcato
Vidyadan is sacred work which is why a transparent system for selecting teachers in colleges and universities “purely on merit” should be implemented stated Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of Public Universities CP Radhakrishnan. He was addressing the Annual Convocation of the 168-year old University of Mumbai in the Cowasjee Jehangir Hall at the University Campus in Mumbai.
Teaching is a noble profession, and the selection process should be transparent and based on efficiency the Governor said, adding that discussions are underway regarding the possibility of conducting a common examination for the selection of teachers.
Degrees were conferred upon 1,64,465 candidates. While PhDs degrees were awarded to 401 candidates, Gold Medals were presented to 18 candidates.
The Governor also said that a method should be found through technology to ensure that students are not disadvantaged due to the shortage of teachers in colleges and university departments.
All universities should prepare the academic schedule at the beginning of the year and make it available to the students, he suggested, adding that the results should be declared by June and the convocation should be organized within a month so that the students get their degrees immediately.
Observing that education is a continuous process and should continue throughout life even after graduation, the Governor said that students should continue to learn at their own pace without comparing themselves with others. He urged students to adopt the habit of exercising and walking and avoid drugs.
The convocation ceremony was attended by State Minister for Higher and Technical Education and Parliamentary Affairs Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, the President of St. Louis University, USA, Dr. Fred Pestello , Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, and Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajay Bhamre. A large number of Deans, Principals and graduating students were also present.
