Contribute for food security, ICAR ex-VC stresses at MU fucntion

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 22, 2016: Speaking at the Teachers’ Day celebration at Mangalore University here on Sept 20, Tuesday, National professor of ICAR and former vice chancellor Prof P G Chengappa stressed that malnutrition is a biggest challenge in India where 21% of the population are BPL families. 
He said, "There is a need to contribute for food security, thereby work towards nutrition security of the country. Though India is self-sufficient in food production, malnutrition continues to haunt the country."

pointing out that universities should meet the aspirations of the society, Prof Chengappa said they should also have societal concern in solving the problems in the society. The higher education system in India is at the crossroads. The kind of investment to education sector is meagre. "Unless the higher education sector is improved, we will find difficult to reach top 100 list of institutions in the world," he opined.

There is a need for modern, liberal, market-driven education that will change the economy of the country. Education is a tool to become economic super power in the world, he said.   Bengaluru University former vice chancellor Prof N R Shetty spoke on the need for research and development in universities.

Public awareness :  University of Agricultural Sciences former vice chancellor Prof M Mahadevappa saw a need to create awareness among the public on advances in agriculture. "India was in fifth position in cotton production before the introduction of Bt Cotton. However, after the introduction of Bt Cotton, the production has increased and India stands in the second place. At the same time, the use of pesticides for cotton production has reduced drastically. The Bt Mustard, if allowed to release in the country, will reduce the import of mustard and farmers will be benefited," he said.

Mangalore University vice chancellor Prof K Byrappa said value-based education will empower students to become better citizens of the country and thereby to contribute towards nation building.

Prof N R Shetty, Dr P G Chengappa, Prof B A Viveka Rai were felicitated for their contribution to the field of teaching and research on the occasion. Prof B A Viveka Rai could not attend the function.

The Mangalore University bestowed ’Best Teacher Award’ on Dr B R Manjunath of Marine Geology department, Dr Vishwanath of Economics department and Dr C K Kishore Kumar, Deputy Director of Physical Education department on the occasion.