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EDITORIAL Presidential attention to cause of higher education in the country A C C O R D I N G TO P R E S I D E N T P R A N A B MUKHERJEE, the institutes of higher learning, if they come together, can make a difference in a short span of time to higher education sector in our country. The President said it is necessary to develop in our students a scientific temper, which allows the flight of imagination beyond the realm of grades and classrooms. Promotion of research at the under-graduate level would assist such an objective .The link between progress and innovation is direct. History is witness to many nations low on resources emerging as advanced economies only on the strength of rapid technological development. Heads of institutes of higher learning must work towards creating an innovation and research network that will produce entrepreneurs and nurture innovations. The setting up of Innovation Clubs in over 60 Central institutions in the last two years is a good beginning for a platform where novel ideas can be nurtured and innovators mentored to develop new products. The President said academic institutions are an important stakeholder for the socio-economic development of the nation. He had earlier asked central universities and NITs to adopt at least five villages and transform them into model villages. He said he now extends his call to all the 114 central institutions. After identifying problems in the adopted villages, they must pool all academic and technical resources at their disposal to provide solutions that will enhance the quality of life of our countrymen. India today stands within a striking distance of realizing the dreams of the founding fathers of our nation. Indian youth are second to none in entrepreneurship. India serves as the fastest growing start-up base worldwide and stands third with 4,200 start-ups, next only to US and UK. The President said in response to the decision taken in the conference of vice chancellors of central universities in 2014, industry interface cells have been set up in many institutions. These cells are now lending vigour to activities like joint research, faculty exchange, and setting up of chairs and endowments. These cells can also interact closely with innovation incubators for monetizing ideas and research. The 45 MoUs signed with the industry yesterday takes to next level the partnership between industry and academia. Based on President's speech after Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the IMPRINT India brochure and hand over the first copy to him on November 5. Mail Refer to your cover story of October month where you had written about depression among students. Thanks to you, I could now realize what my children must be undergoing with stress. Despite denying that we don’t have tension, today everybody does have it even children. So a good educational material. Please keep writing about such thing. regards. Mumta Khanna Your special edition of September month was really nice. A fantastic edition I must say. Many congratulations. Devendera Your suggestions/feedback is welcome I liked your article on robotics in October month. It was very informative as well as well written. Mohd Yusuf Thanks very much raising the issue of jobs in your editorial. Mr Bhatia caught pulse of youth. People need to be explained why jobs are being created. There could be reasons that need to be explained. Governments especially ministers must be honest and forthright at providing a clear perspective. People will not only understand but cooperate, otherwise they feel cheated time and again.. Your focus on skill development is laudable, I must say.. Harjit Singh Curriculum November 16 2015 7