IIT Kharagpur Convocation: Not a Single Institute in the Country Among Top 50 in World, Says President Murmu

While addressing the 69th annual convocation of IIT Kharagpur, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said that not even a single institute in the country has been able to secure a place in the top 50 educational institutions of the world and IIT Kharagpur, being the oldest IIT in the country, must work in that direction. She also added that while good ranking is not important, it helps attract top faculty from across the world and increases the reputation of the country, reported Indian Express.

“It is a matter of concern that not even a single educational institution of such a vast country with the world’s oldest knowledge tradition is among the top 50 educational institutions of the world. The race for ranking is not more important than imparting a good education. However, good ranking not only attracts students and good faculty from all over the world but also increases the reputation of the country. Therefore, I would like that IIT Kharagpur, being the oldest IIT in the country, should make efforts in this direction,” the President said.

President Murmu also said that everyone must get access to technology. It helps lessen the gap in the society and digital payment is a very good example of the same. “I have said before that everyone should have a right to technology. It should be used for the purpose of promoting social justice and equality and not to widen the gap in society. Digital Payment System Technology is the best example of simplifying the lives of common people. Today, even the smallest shopkeepers are using digital payment for very small amounts,” the President said.

Over 3000 students received degrees during the institute’s 69th convocation ceremony. President Murmu congratulated all the students. “I congratulate all the 3,205 students who received degrees today for their bright future. I have found that today about 21 per cent of those receiving degrees are daughters. I give them special congratulations. I believe that greater participation of women in the field of science and technology is necessary for a healthy and strong society,” she said. A total of nine students were awarded gold medals by the IIT on Monday.