UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar likened effective teaching to Lord Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna in the Gita, emphasizing that it involves empowering students with the freedom to think critically, ask questions, and make their own decisions.

Addressing the 17th Goyal Award ceremony at Kurukshetra University, Kumar highlighted that the teachings from the Gita encapsulate the core principles of exceptional education. He noted, “Just as Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna to act according to his own decision after imparting knowledge, great teachers allow students to discover and explore independently.”

Kumar stressed the importance of cultivating an inquisitive mindset among students, urging them to continuously challenge established norms and accepted facts. He pointed out the immense talent within India, citing that over 10% of CEOs in multinational companies come from the Indian education system. However, he also emphasized the need for reforms to increase this percentage and further enhance the system’s global impact.

During the event, Kurukshetra University Vice-Chancellor Som Nath Sachdeva announced the upcoming Goyal Peace Prize for ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and offered 100 acres of land for a potential science research center by the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. This gesture underscores the university’s commitment to supporting scientific research and innovation.

The Goyal Awards recognized prominent scientists for their exceptional work, with each receiving a medal, citation, and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The Rajib Goyal Prize was awarded to young researchers making significant contributions in their fields, including professor Saptarshi Basu in Applied Sciences, professor Sebastian C. Peter in Chemical Sciences, professor Bushra Ateeq in Life Sciences, and professor Sanjib Kumar Agarwalla in Physics.

This event not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the ongoing efforts to advance scientific research and education in India, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence.

Source: PTI

Also read: Union education minister releases compendium of UGC regulations