Universities should assume greater responsibility for mitigation of problems: Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee attended the Annual Convocation of Jamia Millia Islamia here today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said universities, being an integral part of the society, have to assume greater responsibility for overall development and mitigation of problems concerning our society at large.

The government has taken important initiatives recently, aimed at financial inclusion, creation of model villages, Clean India and digital infrastructure. Universities have to be active participants in these programmes and undertake outreach activities for their successful implementation.

The President said education enriches human lives, advances human thinking, propagates new thought and enhances human capacity. Education is a potent vehicle for social emancipation and economic rejuvenation.

Economic growth in the future will depend more on efficient use of resources and deployment of better technology and processes. Knowledge and education will propel economies even more in the years to come.

It is therefore important that our education sector, particularly higher education, is able to meet this challenge.