OdishaLIVE Bureau
10th Foundation Day celebrated by Central University of Orissa
The Central University of Orissa (CUO), Koraput celebrated its 10th Foundation Day today at its main campus in Sunabeda. Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor, CUO hoisted the University flag and congratulated the University community on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty elaborated on the idea and purpose of education as ‘Cogito Ergo Sum’ (I think; therefore, I am) to be the corner stone of education. Education should create individuality, critical thinking and power of imagination in human being. He also stressed on the need for development of women and emancipation of spiritual and intellectual faculties.
Prof. Mohanty further said that norms of public institution should be respected and not flouted. He described the influences of great thinkers of education and institution builders. In this concept he mentioned the names of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Shri Aurobinda and mother and J Krishnamurthy. He concluded by quoting Shri Aurobinda that, ‘All learning is lifelong learning’.
Prof. P.V. Krishna Bhatta, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor to the university started his address by declaring that he is not a guest but part of the CUO. He said that it is the students and staff who make a good university and not necessarily ideal conditions. He felt that studentship is a wonderful opportunity to gather knowledge and information. Knowledge should be preserved, protected, further enhanced and should be used for noble purpose, he said.
He quoted Oscar Wilde & Beethoven in this context. He emphasized that the tribal values of life should be respected and the students of the CUO should study with a sense of responsibility towards society. He called up the university community to work together to transform CUO into one of the best universities in coming days.
Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, (IFS) delivered the Foundation Day Lecture which was titled, “India and the World”. Mr. Sajjanhar was India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia. He has also held important positions in Indian Embassies in Washington, Moscow, Brussels, Geneva, Bangkok, Teheran and Dhaka.
He started his lecture by elaborating the perception of India, abroad. India is held in high esteem for continuing to be a democratic country since Independence in spite of such a huge area, population, diversity and variety in culture and religion. He stated that among great leaders who share this view are former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Mr. Nazarbei, President of Kazakhstan.
He further informed that India is in a formidable position and set to become the fifth largest economy in the world surpassing the United Kingdom. He lamented that due to political parties and other vested interests, India’s unity is being hampered. He analyzed the foreign policy of India and said that in recent times India has been able to use the foreign policy as an integral part of economic growth by roping in new technology and investment from other countries.
He felt that India is in good terms with countries like United States, West Asia and South East Asia. He concluded by saying that the manner of India’s engagement with other countries is commendable and India is in a win-win situation.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Asit Kumar Das, Registrar, CUO. Among the audience present were spouses of Vice-Chancellors, distinguished staff of neighboring organizations like NAD, HAL, NALCO, District Police and District Administration, members of Press, local intelligencia of Koraput, Faculty, staff and students of CUO.
