Education sector is ailing, says Narayana Murthy

HYDERABAD: “Our record in primary and higher education is pathetic. We have created an environment where bright, idealistic and confident youngsters who are ready to take on the world in their 20s become despondent, diffident, self-seeking and unhappy individuals by the time they reach 40,” said NR Narayana Murthy, chairman emeritus and founder of Infosys Technologies Ltd, while addressing the gathering at the third convocation of the Jawarharlal Nehru Technology University-Hyderabad (JNTUH) here on Monday.He said the future of the nation rested on the shoulders of today's young. “We have to identify ourselves as Indians first, rise above affiliations, accept meritocracy and work hard with dedication,” he said after being conferred with an honorary doctorate in philosophy by university chancellor and state governor ESL Narasimhan.Narasimhan said, “What I ask for is one Narayana Murthy every five years. And I do not see a reason why we can't do that.” Commenting on the present-day education, he said everything about it _ quality of education being imparted, employability of students, purpose of educational institutions, ethics and personal and professional integrity of the stakeholders _ needed improvement. JNTUH vice-chancellor Rameshwar Rao, in his report, said the university had, apart from conducting Eamcet,  taken up VROART, a recruitment test on behalf of the chief controller of land acquisition (CCLA) for appointment of village revenue officers and village revenue assistants. He also gave an account of the initiatives, international collaborations and achievements of the university. “A new constituent college of engineering will be set up at Singur in Medak district The university will offer new courses _ M Tech (Biochem Engg) and M.Sc (Organic Chemistry). The JNTUH College of Engineering, Jagtial started five new M.Tech courses in EEE, ME, ECE, CSE and IT this year.''