President commends Central University of Kerala

Kasargod (Kerala), July 18 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Friday expressed his happiness over the progress made by the Central University of Kerala here in a short span of time.

This university had braved the initial limitations of infrastructure and support facilities to start its academic activities with two post-graduate programmes, said Mukherjee, who was the chief guest at the first convocation of the university.

"It is commendable that within two years of receiving this permanent site for a campus, this institution has succeeded in creating the essential minimum infrastructure to shift five academic departments and the administrative wing," he said.

"I am pleased to name this campus 'Tejaswani Hills' after the river in this region, Tejaswini, which literally means radiant," he said.

The university now has six schools, 17 teaching and research departments and over 600 students and 100 faculty members.

The president, who arrived here from Mangalore, was received by Kerala Governor Sheila Dikshit and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

The president also expressed his happiness at the proposed School of Medicine and Public Health by the university.

"This is a welcome initiative. This school should be a platform for higher learning and research in all systems of medicine, with particular emphasis on community healthcare and affordable medical treatment," Mukherjee said.

"Dear students, the success of our nation will lie in mobilising all the positive forces to fight the scourge of poverty, deprivation and backwardness.

"You enjoy a privileged position by virtue of having access to higher education. This privilege comes with a huge moral responsibility.

"Your success will lie in becoming the agent of change - the catalyst in mitigating the hardships and sufferings of the people," said Mukherjee.