'Edu institutes should take forward spirit of nationalism'

Against the backdrop of the raging JNU controversy, Union Minister Ram Shankar Katheria today said educational institutions should take forward the spirit of nationalism and social consciousness.
"If Skill India has to take shape, teachers and educational institutes have an important role to play. I hope that our institutions and students take forward the spirit of nationalism and social consciousness. With this, they will grow and discharge their responsibilities towards the society and the nation," Katheria, Minister of State in the Human Resources Department said.
Speaking at the 9th ASSOCHAM Higher Education Summit 2016 here, the minister emphasised on the importance of research in educational institutions.

"We should see how we can take the research forward and teachers play an important role in this. The government recently held a national-level meeting on how quality of teachers can be improved," he said.
The minister, however, parried questions on the ongoing Jawaharlal Lal University (JNU) row.
The education experts present at the event pitched for greater autonomy to scholars and reducing bureaucratic control over educational institutes.

Scholars also emphasised on the importance of a synergy between Indian industry and universities.
"There is a need to have a community of scholars who need to be apolitical, but can still give good political education. They should not get involved in petty politics. It is important to pursue truth," said Prof Sudanshu Bhushan of National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA).

Bhushan said it was the job of the state to ensure freedom as it was in its own interest.
"It is in the interest of the state to be the guardian of higher education. If there is no freedom, it kills the soul of learning and teaching process," Bhushan said.
Arun K Grover, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University said, "To realise the Skill India and Make in India programmes, it is crucial to integrate the industry and academic institutions in the country.