In connection with the 43rd Convocation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, the Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu and Chancellor of this University visited TNAU on 8.3.2024 at 2.15 pm and interacted with the students of TNAU for about 90 minutes.
Dr.V.Geethalakshmi, Vice – Chancellor, Registrar, Deans and Controller of Examinations attended the meeting. About 150 students representing 15 key activities of TNAU viz., PG students who did their research in foreign institutions, students who had undergone twinning program and international internships in foreign institutions, students benefitted by using language labs, drone pilots, students who became entrepreneurs, students who obtained patents, PG and UG students from other States of the country, TNAU award winners etc., participated in the interaction. The Deputy Secretary (Universities) and ADC to Governor were also present.
Dr. V.Geethalakshmi, Vice –Chancellor delivered a preamble explaining the purpose of the meeting. Students briefly narrated the work done by them or their experience and also raised a query for the Honourable Governor to share his perspectives. The Honourable Governor briefly commented on the performance of banks and fund flow to the MSME and entrepreneurs and how Direct Beneficiary Transfer revolutionised the economy. He said that in the last few years, Rs 23 lakh crores were distributed to small and medium entrepreneurs under MUDRA scheme. The Jan Dhan, Aadhar and mobile has enabled access to banking for 50 crore people, of which 50 per cent were women. He emphasised on the new trinity, “research, innovation and entrepreneurship” and especially young people should adopt this. Youth should ask, “What I did do to make this country a developed one”.
The Honourable Governor recalled that earlier education institutions were not well connected but now we have more collaboration through MoUs and other means. The interlinking between education institutions and education institutions and industry would enable to develop employable students, ensure research to market connect and also generate need based products and services. The Honourable Governor commended the efforts taken by the University and students for increasing the number of patents and also encouraged to have a target of 175 patents in a year.
The students should be strong and never feel handicapped if they are not able to speak fluently. The students should take remedial measures to overcome the lacunae. The Honourable Governor said that the duty of education intuitions is to create enabling environment so that students could gain communication skill and articulate themselves very well. There will be increase in use of technology for providing quality education for all. On increasing use of virtual and augmented reality technologies for education purposes, the Honourable Governor stated that the pace of change of technologies is ever faster than before. There will be quantum jump with the advancement in artificial intelligence. We have to embrace new technologies to make education learner centric and more effective.
The Honourable Governor emphasised on the transition to green energy from the use of fossil fuels. A fast developing country needs more energy. The government has embarked some bold initiatives to gradually replace fossil fuels and has set a target to have 50 per cent of energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
The Honourable Governor encouraged students working on entrepreneurial ventures based on Waste to Wealth concept. The waste to wealth will lead to circular economy and ultimately ensure sustainability. The Honourable Governor shared his experience and ideas with students and also motivated them to become entrepreneurs. He finally stated, “Believe in yourself and the world will be yours”.