A Two day Ammembal Subbarao Pai Memorial UGC Sponsored National Conference “Higher Education- Challenges Ahead” organized by Centre for Advanced Studies in Commerce and Management, Canara First Grade College, Mangalore in Association with AMUCT was held on 23rd & 24th January 2013 at Smt. Ratna S.Shenoy Memorial Seminar Hall.
Inaugural Session
The conference was inaugurated by Captain Ganesh Karnik, MLC, Government of Karnataka. The lack of interest shown by people in education, especially higher education is the biggest challenge we face today. The purpose of education is enlightenment, which will eventually lead to an enlightened society. However, it is sad that people who have access to higher education do not know the purpose of education. It is regretful that the education system today is unable to teach moral values and social consciousness, he said and pointed out that in the last 65 years after independence, India has become a loud talking, impractical, dishonest and corrupt nation. Students need to be motivated and understand their strengths and weaknesses. India is a young nation and if the younger generation is given employable skills, we can expect a major change, he said.
Prof .K. Sudha Rao, former Vice Chancellor, Karnataka State Open University, Mysore, SDM Education Society (Ujire) CEO delivered Key Note Address. She said that students should know the purpose of education. Educational institutions should add a column in their admission application questioning why the student needs to study in the institution and hence guide the student. It is regretful that students and teachers do not make use of libraries. UGC had conducted a study on the number of teachers who visit libraries in 1800 colleges and the result shown was poor. Hence, the UGC cut off a lot of funds it allotted for libraries in the 5th UGC plan, she said. Knowledge can truly empower a person and in turn a country. The best example is Japan which is one of the powerful nations in the world, in spite it does not have many natural resources, she noted.
Prof. Dejamma A, Convener of the conference welcomed the guests and gathering. Smt. Seema Prabhu S., Convener presented an introduction about the theme of the conference. Sri I.N.Noronha, Head of Commerce Dept. proposed the vote of thanks. CA.S.S.Kamath, President of CHS Association, Sri M.Sudhir Pai, Correspondent of the College, Prof.M.Sathish Bhat, Principal, Dr.Norbert Lobo, President, AMUCT, were the other dignitaries present on the dais. The inaugural session was compeered by Ms. Sushma Shetty, Lecturer, Dept. of Commerce.
First Technical Session
Prof.K.Kunhikrishnan, Former Pro – Vice Chancellor, Kannur University was the resource person for the first technical session on “Private Universities – Opportunities & Challenges”. He spoke on the issues and challenges of Private Universities and also the functioning of the private Universities. The session was chaired by Dr. Norbert Lobo, Associate Professor, Aloysius College(Autonomous), Mangalore & the President of Association of Mangalore University College Teachers (AMUCT).
The Second Technical Session
The second technical session was on “Challenges in Pursuing Research Interest”, Dr.M.Chandra Poojary, Professor, Dept. of Development Studies, Kannada University, Hampi was the resource person. He spoke on the relevance of research in Higher education. The development of research attitudes among the students and staff is the need of the hour. When research is taken up by the faculties at all levels, perhaps it will result in the quality sustenance in Higher Education. Dr. Ummappa Poojary,Associate Professor,Sri Gokarnanatheshwara College, Mangalore was the chairperson.
The Third Technical Session
The third technical session was held on 24th January 2013. Fr. Joye James S.J, Director, Loyola Extension Services Loyola College of Social Sciences Trivandrum addressed on “Self awareness for transformation through Higher Education.” Understanding oneself is indispensable to understand others. The skill development begins with emphasizing the need of changing the attitudes of the people he said. The session was chaired by Dr. G.N.Bhat, Principal, Sri Bharathi College,Mangalore.
The Fourth Technical Session
Sri Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, Managing Director & CEO, Manipal ACE,Event Mgt. Co (Pvt.) Ltd was the resource person for the last technical session on “Challenges in Industry Orientation”. Higher education without the industrial orientation is the main impediment to enforce success and quality in education. Development of entrepreneurship should also be an objective of Higher education. It is not just aiming to work for others makes Higher Education effective, but it is creation of employment opportunities for others. Prof. B.V. Raghunandan Associate Professor, SVS College, Bantwal was the chairperson.
Participants in the conference
The conference was attended by 210 delegates from all over the country. 48 quality papers were presented by the faculty and the students. To attract the students towards research BEST STUDENT RESEARCHER competition was conducted. The Conference was well appreciated for the systematic conduct of sessions and general organizational aspectsValedictory
The valedictory function was held on 24th January, 2013 at 3.30 pm. Sri M.Ranganath Bhat, Secretary, CHS Association, presided over the function. Dr. T.Mallikarjunappa, Professor, Dept. of Business Administration, Mangalore University gave the Valedictory address. He analysed the direction of Higher education in the past and the present. He also emphasized that the policy makers should consider Higher education as priority in Indian scenario as most of the students in higher education are the first generation learners. He also pointed out that in India a luxury car loan is available at 10 to 11% interest whereas an education loan is available at 12-13% interest, this falsify the national priority. Sri M.R.Vasudeva,Director, Srinivas Group of College, Former Director, Mangalore Airport were the guests honour. He spoke on the development of educational institutions in the coastal Karnataka and its prospects.
Ms. Seema Prabhu S the Convener cordially welcomed the guest and gathering. Prof. Dejamma, the Convener presented a brief note of findings of the conference. Smt. Anasuya, Lecturer proposed the vote of thanks. The valedictory session was anchored by Ms. Divya of Final B.Com.
