Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha urges Universities for in-depth study on regional sustainability

Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday said that universities serve as laboratories for the future and urged the authorities of all universities in the Northeast to collaborate and leverage their knowledge capital for in-depth study of the region, aiming to contribute fresh perspectives to global knowledge on sustainability.

Dr. Saha inaugurated the National Conference on Higher Education and Research "Towards a Transformative and Sustainable Society'' at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Shatabarsiki Auditorium, Tripura University.

“Research holds immense importance and without it, progress is hindered. I personally engaged in research and had to travel to Delhi to present my findings at the ICMR. I am delighted to see the establishment of a research and development cell at Tripura University and such a national conference. Universities are the laboratories of our future and without robust research, progress is unimaginable. Research should be an integral part of university curriculum as it nurtures life, safety and security for the future citizens of the world through the creation of knowledge. This initiative will undoubtedly raise awareness among students and scholars about the imperative of not just dreaming but making sustainable living a tangible reality,” he emphasized.

He said Bharat has been successful in holding G-20 presidency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Our educational system and curriculum should be oriented towards preserving our ecosystem in every conceivable way. The New Education Policy of 2022 places great emphasis on enhancing the quality of India’s rich traditional knowledge. This has consistently promoted sustainable living throughout history. India and its enduring culture can illuminate the way for a world that is increasingly drifting from the fundamental values of sustainable living,” Dr Saha said.

Furthermore, he noted that Tripura and the entire Northeast region are endowed with unparalleled natural beauty.

“This region boasts ecological hotspots. Research in the universities of Northeast India should commence with an in-depth study of the region itself. This would involve investigating how this region can contribute to sustainability in the face of materialistic development pressures. I urge the authorities of all universities in the Northeast to collaborate and invest their knowledge capital in comprehensive studies of the region, thus creating new avenues for global knowledge on sustainability, and establishing a curriculum with an Earth-centric focus in our universities. I also implore Tripura University to embody the Prime Minister's 'vocal for local' motto by highlighting the immense cultural, ethnic, ecological and natural diversity of Tripura, as well as the Northeast, by promoting studies on region-specific bodies of knowledge,” the Chief Minister added.

Dr. Ganga Prasad Prasain Vice-Chancellor, Tripura University and others were present.