Delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the UGC sponsored National Workshop on ‘CHANGING CONTOURS OF INDIAN ECONOMY’ organised by Department of Economics at St Aloysius College(Autonomous), Mangalore in collaboration with Association of Mangalore University College Teachers (AMUCT) held at St Aloysius College, Mangalore , Prof Jancy James, Vice Chancellor of Kerala Central University., Kasargod said that internet has made the students of current generation updated about everything, surpassing the teachers. With the heavy information flow there is a challenge before the students as well as teachers to choose right information from the right source, she opined. Further she said “The biggest challenge for the young generation today is choosing among the wide plethora of information available before them. Choice is your problem. To choose the information that is suitable for you, you need insight and decision-making,” she said, advising the students to use the availability of resources wisely, discreetly and with insight. She called upon the students not to resort to the “cut and paste system” when they are assigned some work.
Describing the changes in curriculum as the lifeline of higher education, she deplored the resistance and procedural hurdles in restructuring the curriculum. She said “Curriculum is not a static mechanism; it is the life-blood of education. If we do not have the right provision to make the changes, we have to think twice about how to ensure excellence and quality in education.”
Higher Education is a binding force to empower youth and is crucial for the economic development of any society. Students should focus on their goals and by achieving excellence in whatever they will be able to contribute to the economy and development of the society. She said that there is a need to reflect on how many institutions necessitate optimum utilisation of the resources and knowledge that students acquired. In India, only upto 16 students in every 100 get jobs in tune with the qualification they receive from their universities and stated that much of the resources in higher education were wasted.
Elaborating on the three E’s of higher education in India i.e. expansion, equity and excellence, she said that there was a need for expansion of the scope of higher education as there were not enough educational institutions and universities for students to enroll into. “Providing equity in admission of students into higher education institutions is another priority, as every stratum of society needs to be given opportunity to admit their children into higher educational institutions. We need to ensure that inclusiveness and equity is maintained in higher educational admissions and delivering of knowledge. We also need to ensure that we give students quality and relevant education, although quality is a big challenge in higher education,” she said. She stressed that the fourth “E” – employability is also very important for the stake holders.
Rev Fr Swebert D’Silva SJ, Principal, St. Aloysius College, in his presidential address said, "Youngsters should stop compromising. Students should set a goal in their life and try to achieve it". He also advised the students not to deviate their mind by excess usage of mobile phones. He called upon the teachers to help the students to be reflective, innovative and creative minded.
Mr Liguory Mendonca, Head of the Department of Economics St. Aloysius College ,welcomed the gathering and explained the objectives of the National Workshop. Dr Norbert Lobo Convener of the workshop proposed vote of thanks.
The Inauguration and key note session was followed by the I Technical session on “Political Economy of Agrarian Transformation” The Resource person was Dr Muzaffar Assadi, Professor and former Chairman, Dept of Studies in Political Science, University of Mysore and session was moderated by Dr Sajimon P.P. of PG Dept of Economics, St. Aloysius College. Dr Mani K P, Professor and Former Chairman, Department of Economics, Dr John Mathai Centre Campus, Trichur, University of Calicut was the Resource Person for the II Technical session on ““Infrastructure for Change: Status, Challenges and Options” . The sessionwas moderated by Dr Suresh Poojary, Dean Faculty of Commerce, St. Aloysius College. Dr A Narayana, columnist and Assistant Professor, Azim Premji University, Bangalore was the Resource Person fot Technical Session III on “India’s Development Strategy: Continuity And Change” and , Dr Norbert Lobo, president of AMUCT moderated the session. The workshop was attended by around 240 delegates from various colleges.
