Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan said universities have to focus on R&D and the projects undertaken should be such that they are economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The Governor was speaking at the convocation of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) on Thursday.
The university held the convocation for three academic years — 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 at its premises in Masab Tank. The Governor, also the Chancellor of the university, joined live from Puducherry and addressed the huge gathering.
“I am happy to note that the university has aligned its curriculum with the National Education Policy,” she said. Quoting a Tamil poet, she said teachers are just like Gods and an essential part of our society.
During the convocation, six Ph. Ds, 114 gold medals, 331 PG degrees and 4,456 UG degrees, all put together 4,793 degrees, were awarded. Doctor of Philosophy, Honoris Causa, was conferred to architect Brinda Somaya, a renowned architect and conservation specialist, in recognition of her contribution to the field of architecture and conservation.
The chief guest for the event was Prof B.S. Murty. Addressing the gathering, he said everyone must have a passion in life and to be successful, one should pursue life with passion. “Choose such a profession where you don’t wait for Saturday and Sunday. If it is otherwise, it is not the profession you are supposed to be in,” he said.
He advised students to be job givers rather than seekers. “Take IIT Hyderabad for instance. It has mentored 125 startups in the past four years. They in turn created 1,000 jobs and Rs 800 crore. You must have curiosity, which is a must for innovation,” he added.
