Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22:

Six distinguished personalities were conferred with honoris causa, 263 with PhD and 107 with gold medals on the 46th Convocation ceremony of Utkal University in Odisha capital on Saturday.

Utkal University ConvocationThe six eminent recipients’ include-- Odia music director Prafulla Kar, freedom fighter and litterateur Prafulla Das, entrepreneur Subrato Bagchi, founder of a US-based pro-biotic company SK Das, singer Chittaranjan Jena and scientist Yogesh Chandra Pati. However, Pati was unavailable to receive the honorary degree. This apart, 263 students were awarded PhD degrees and 107 with gold medals in their respective disciplines.

‘‘Skill development would contribute to technical know-how and strengthen economy. Unemployment is showing an increasing trend for which students should take up job-oriented courses. The universities in the state have been asked to introduce such courses as electives, though not compulsory,’’ Utkal University Chancellor and Governor SC Jamir said while presiding over the ceremony.

Odisha High Court Amitava Roy read out the Chief Justice of India HL Dattu’s speech as the latter was unavailable due to health reasons.

‘‘The shortage of academicians has plagued the education system in the varsities across the nation. The ad hoc appointees have been imparting education in the absence of full-time teachers. In order to revamp the system, we need to develop knowledge-based economy so as to compete with world-class universities across the world,’’ Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court Amitava Roy read out Dattu’s speech.

Students should not use their knowledge and education to get jobs. Instead, they should create awareness among the people and do public good with the help of education, Roy advised.

Among others, university Vice-Chancellor Prof Asoka Kumar Das and members of the Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council were present.