Foundation Day: Utkal University Can Play Mentor’s Role For Other Odisha Universities, Says Union Education Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Centre for Innovation and Incubation (CII) at Utkal University will handhold young entrepreneurs and start-ups and act as a catalyst in creating a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in Odisha, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while launching its website on Saturday.

Speaking at the 79th foundation day celebration of Utkal University, here, Pradhan said the university has made its mark at national level for its education system and research. There should be a united effort to take it to international level, he added.

Pradhan laid stress on learning and teaching mother tongue and local dialects to retain the culture of a state. “English is a global trade language and all should learn it, but mother tongue should be given priority,” said Pradhan adding that Utkal University should be the mentor university for promoting local dialects.

Stating that Odisha has emerged as the knowledge hub in the country, he said the NAC A+ certification should help the Utkal University play the role of a mentor for other universities in the state.

Lauding the contributions of Krushnachandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, Pandit Godavarish Mishra, Pandit Nilakantha Das and Pandit Biswanath Das in formation of the university, the Union minister said, “The university is a laboratory for building great minds that run the state and nation.”

Speaking on the National Education Policy 2020, Pradhan said it offers an opportunity to promote multi-disciplinary education and research and create job opportunities.

The function was chaired by vice-chancellor of Utkal University Sabita Acharya. Writer and culture specialist Dr Rajat Kumar Kar was present, among others.

While seven students of the university were awarded gold medals for the academic year 2020 and five for 2021, two students were presented trophies on the occasion.