Observing India’s leadership in higher education for 1,500 years from third centrury BC, President Pranab Mukherjee wondered “why cannot we occupy our rightful place in the comity of nations”.
“India was the leader in higher education from third centruy BC, from the glorius days of Takhshila to Nalanda in the 12th century AD,” the President said.
While delivering the convocation address of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), he said we have requisite faculty and brilliant students and there is appropriate conducive atmosphere to encourage research and innovation.
“Why cannot we occupy our rightful place in comity of nations in the fiercely competitive world? We must earn our place. Our seat is in the top bench of the international community. Nothing will be offered. Everything will have to be earned,” he said.
Noting that our higher education institutions do not meet global standards according to international surveys, the President asked that international rankings be taken seriously to attain all round development.
