21st century belongs to Indian youth: Bhandare

BHUBANESWAR: Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare on Friday said Indian students are doing exceptionally well and have surpassed their counterparts from other countries. Indications are there that the 21st century will belong to the Indian youth who will overcome global challenges, he said. Bhandare was speaking at a Higher Education Meet, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s Eastern Region chapter. The Governor laid emphasis on the need for qualified and trained personnel. Despite having superior brains, Indians are falling short of expectations due to the lack of adequate technology-backed knowledge and training, he said.  He called for redesigning curriculum basing on current market demand, practical exposure of students through industry visits, industry-led research activities by the students, faculty development and use of technology in academic institutions. The meet was part of the ongoing efforts of CII to bridge the gap between industry and academia. This was the third edition of Higher Education Meet which aimed at laying an ideal platform for stakeholders to debate on the way forward. Founder of KIIT Achyuta Samant, Aloke Mookherjea, Chairman, Education and Skill Development Sub-committee of CII (Eastern Region), and BL Bagra, Chairman, CII Orissa State Council, also spoke.