Report by Nishapati Nayak, Koraput: The Central University of Orissa, Koraput celebrated its 10th Foundation Day today in its main campus at Sunabeda. Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CUO hoisted the University flag and congratulated the University community on this occasion. The foundation day programme was started by lighting of the lamp. Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty welcomed the distinguished guests of the occasion among whom were Prof. P.V. Krishna Bhatta, newly appointed Hon’ble Chancellor, CUO and Chief Guest and Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, the Guest-of-Honour.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty elaborated on the idea and purpose of education as he learned from his schooling. He explained the concept of ‘Cogito Ergo Sum’ (I think, therefore I am) to be the corner stone of education. Education should create individuality critical thinking and power of imagination in human being. He also stressed on the need for development of women and emancipation of spiritual and intellectual faculties. Prof. Mohanty said that norms of public institution should be respected and not flouted. He described the influences of great thinkers of education and institution builders. In this concept he mentioned the names of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Shri Aurobinda and mother and J Krishnamurthy. He concluded by quoting Shri Aurobinda that, ‘All learning is lifelong learning’.
Prof. P.V. Krishna Bhatta started his address by declaring that he is not a guest but part of the CUO. He said that it is the students and staff who make a good University and not necessarily ideal conditions. He felt that studentship is a wonderful opportunity to gather knowledge and information. The knowledge should be preserved, protected, further enhanced and should be used for noble purpose. He quoted Oscar Wilde & Beethoven in this context. He emphasized that the tribal values of life should be respected and the students of the CUO should study with a sense of responsibility towards society. He called up the University community to work together to transform CUO into one of the best Universities in coming days.
Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar delivered the Foundation Day Lecture which was titled, “India and the World”. Shri Sajjanhar was India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia. He has also held important positions in Indian Embassies in Washington, Moscow, Brussels, Geneva, Bangkok, Teheran and Dhaka. He started his lecture by elaborating the perception of India in Abroad. India is held in high esteem for continuing to be a democratic country since Independence in spite of such a huge area, population, diversity and variety in culture and religion. He stated that among great leaders who share this view are former V.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Mr. Nazarbei, President of Kazakhstan. He informed that India is in a formidable position and set to become the fifth largest economy in the world surpassing the United Kingdom. He lamented that the Political parties and other vested interests India’s unity is being hampered. He analyzed the foreign policy of India and said that in recent times India has been able to use the foreign policy as an integral part of economic growth by roping in new technology and investment from other countries. He felt that India is in good terms with countries like United States, West Asia and South East Asia. He concluded by saying that the manner of India’s engagement with other countries is commendable and India is in a win-win situation.
Later during end of the function the students of Central University of Orissa (CUO) in its main campus located at Sunabeda today boycotted the 10th Foundation Day function with out attending 50-50 and launched protest alleging failure of the authorities in addressing their various long-standing issues.
The students gagged their mouths with black clothes and wore black badges as they took out a rally and squatted before venue of the event.
Despite our repeated reminders and protests, the varsity authorities have remained indifferent to our 60-point charter of demands, the students alleged. The agitating students also put up black flags outside various hostels of the university to mark their protest.
Though Vice-Chancellor Sachidananda Mohanty tried to hold talks with the agitating students in presence of police, the discussion remained inconclusive.
Adequate numbers of police personnel have been deployed at the campus to maintain law and order.
Later discussion with Prof. P.V. Krishna Bhatta, chancellor ,CUO with the students came to the conclusion that he has noted all demands which will be forwarded to ministry of HRD soon and he assured that every thing will run smooth in coordination with university administration and hope central university of Orissa will be listed in top 40 universities of the world.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Asit Kumar Das, Registrar, CUO. Among the audience were Smt. Kamala Devi, better half of Hon’ble Chancellor, Smt. Smita Patnaik, better half of Vice-Chancellor, distinguished staff of neighboring organizations like NAD, HAL, NALCO, District Police and District Administration, members of Press, local intelligencia of Koraput, Faculty, staff and students of CUO.
The CUO is an University set up in 2009 by an act of parliament. Presently it runs 14 Departments and has integrated UG, PG and Research Programmes, well equipped hostels with state of the art facilities.
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