We can lead in higher education: President

BHOPAL: Expressing hope that India will again lead the world in higher education, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said excellence in higher education was the hallmark of India for 1,700 years, from 6th century BC to 11th century AD.

Mukherjee said from the glory of Taxilla to the collapse of Nalanda, India led in higher education and attracted students from across the globe.

Speaking at the 60th founder’s day celebrations of Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (SKV) Gwalior, Mukherjee expressed concern over higher education institutions in India failing to make a mark globally.

He said 736 universities and over 36,000 colleges have failed to feature among the best institutions in the global rankings for best 200 institutions.

He, however, added that the situation has changed somewhat from last year, when two institutions, including IIT Delhi, found place among the top ranking institutions of the world.

“I am confident that in the coming years, more institutions will find a place in the world’s top ranked institutions. Because this is our field,” he said.

“It pains me now that every year, 6,000 students leave India for higher education abroad in the US, Australia and European countries,” he said.

Appreciating the foundation of SKV by late Rajmata of Gwalior Vijaya Raje Scindia in 1956 for educating the girl child, Mukherjee said: “It was not very easy to conceive an exclusive school for girls 60 years ago, but Vijaya Raje Scindia had the courage and conviction in setting up such a school,” he said.