India’s growth story a good example

By Lord Swraj Paul,British House of Lords

Iam often asked about how the global Indian diaspora perceives the India growth story. My answer would be:mostly very well, but people would like to see more being done for the poor people of India because a society without all the people benefiting can cause its own problems. Otherwise, India's growth story is seen as an extremely good example.
And I say this even in these hours of gloom and crisis. The crisis is a global one. It requires a lot of vision and hard work on the part of governments and the people to deal with a situation like this.
However, the bright side for India is that the common man is
very resilient.
This is visible when you see the 600 million people earning below $2 a day, yet they still manage to remain reasonably happy and do not protest to an alarming extent. That is the real bright side
of India.
I hope they can persuade the powers that be, and the rich, to keep them in mind.
I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that there is hope in India's social, political and economic life. And the year 2009 and beyond can actually be turned into years of HOPE with a little bit of extra drive.
On the social side, there is a lot of good development of better and dedicated NGOs, who seem to be working hard. If we can keep them dedicated that is the biggest hope for the social side of life.
On the political side, in my view coalition governments are not a bad thing. However, more understanding will be required in running coalition governments so that every now and then they don't fall apart.
The economy is doing alright, except it is only for part of the society. Indians should make an effort to make things better for all people, and that would be the biggest hope.
Having said this, I must also add that there is no policy prescription for India's business leaders. They don't need any. They are very capable and very good.
The only prescription required is that the poor man also should be considered in whatever they do. They talk about this, but not enough is done on this front. I hope that the talk can be transformed into action now.
If India can successfully address these few issues in their truest perspectives there is no reason why India should not sit in the same row with some of the developed nations of today over the next couple
of years.
I am extremely hopeful that she will. And one will get to see these indications, hopefully from the next year itself.

Human resources India’s greatest asset: Mathur

TEZPUR, Dec 24 – Hailing the Tezpur University (TU) as one of the important institutions of higher education in the country, its Chancellor and State Governor SC Mathur today said that the University has made rapid strides in terms of infrastructure in recent times with increased student and faculty strengths. Speaking on the occasion of the 8th convocation programme of the University, Mathur further said that the institute is also remarkable for its academic ambience, natural beauty and serene surroundings.

"Our universities need to blend academic excellence with social relevance. I am happy that Tezpur University has actively participated in extension work in partnership with the civil society, in disaster management and empowerment of women and disadvantaged groups. I also appreciate the efforts the University has made in strengthening the North East region's culture of tolerance and peace. The University's endeavour towards equal opportunities and affirmative action is laudable", he said.

Conferring diploma on 27 students, PhDs on 29 students and other degrees on the remaining students, the Chancellor further stated that the students have to dedicate themselves to the traditions of discipline, character-building and national integration. "The degrees that they have acquired are not only a licence for

employment, but also a testimony of their capacity to think independently and take initiatives in various fields of activity", he said. Referring to the importance of Nalanda and Taxila Universities, he said that they bear testimony to our country's rich and long tradition of teaching research and innovative knowledge.

'The challenge that we face now in 21st century is how to transform our society into a knowledge economy. Human resources are our greatest strength. Once our young women and men become adequately skilled, they will be India's greatest force for progress. Rather than just military strength, this soft power will be the true indicator of India's greatness', he said.

Delivering the welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Mihir Kanti Chowdhury highlighted the complete infrastructure of the University and stated that the institute, established in 1994 as a residential University, currently has 15 departments under 5 schools and offers undergraduate and research programme.

Earlier, Mathur inaugurated the newly constructed Kalaguru Bishnu Prashad Rabha Memorial Auditorium.