TN poised to become model for other States in higher education, says Purohit

Participating in the Graduation Day of Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies here, Purohit said Tamil Nadu has always had a rich tradition of scholarship.

“Even ordinarily planned families place great emphasis on education. This has had a direct impact on social development indices and on the economy,” he said, adding, Tamil Nadu has a proud culture of research and innovation in the fields of science and technology.

It was therefore no surprise that the gross enrolment ratio in Higher Education in the State was about 46 per cent, far higher than the national average of about 25 per cent.

With the joint coordinated support of the Central and State governments, institutions in Tamil Nadu could soar to greater heights, making the State the educational hub of the country, he added.

The Governor also observed that students were now endowed with the tools to gain upward mobility in life.

He said the benefit of this should flow to all those who have made it possible, including parents and teachers.

Recalling his recent visit to the house of former President APJ Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram, Purohit said his life was one of achieving excellence through diligence.

“Kalam excelled as a scientist, as a patriot and as a leader among men. His love for children and students was unmatched. Every time he found an opportunity he would go and lecture the students in schools and colleges,” he recalled.

Noting Bharat Ratna awardees Kalam and MGR, who through their work for the Nation, stand as examples and role models for the youth of Tamil Nadu, the Governor said, “we are living in exciting times. On one side India is faced with the challenge of providing the comprehensive benefits of education and health care to its entire population. At the same time, it is reaching out to match the most developed countries in their achievements in space research, robotics and artificial intelligence.”