Shekhawat calls for redefining the growth strategy

Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (UNI) Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today called for redefining the growth strategy to make the development inclusive of all sections of society.

Growth should not be merely mean the percentage of increase in the GDP but the real upliftment of the common man,Mr.Shekhawat said in his convocation address of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Deemed University.

'' We need growth with equity, a growth that bridges the gap and divide between the rich and poor, '' the Vice-President said adding that the peoples welfare should be the most important yardstick of growth.

The country's progress has been creditable yet we are still a developing nation struggling with the problem of poverty, malnutrition,illiteracy and disease,'' he said.

The goal of complete alleviation of poverty and under development is still a distant dream as 26 crore of people live below the poverty line and four crore children are deprived of the primary education while lakhs of people die due to malaria and tuberculosis, Mr Shekhawat said.

The Vice-President called upon the graduates to constantly develop competence in their discipline through sustained research, innovation,foresight and capacity building. He said the poor and the deprived desperately look up to you with hopes and aspiration to serve them with all resources at your command.

The astounding new technology which pervaded the globe needed to be used to its full potential to spread higher humane values and foster a more caring compassionate society.

Orissa Governor Rameswar Thakur said the KIIT Deemed University has carved a distinct identity in the national level within a very short period and lauded the efforts of its Chancellor A Samant to propose for a Tribal University.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said since Orissa has been in the front line for having largest FDR and domestic investment in the country the KIIT Deemed University should make efforts to open frontline courses and work for the basic sciences.

KIIT Deemed University Chancellor A Samant said passing out with degrees would mean nothing unless the knowledge received in the temple of learning was utilised for the benefit of the people living in the lowest strata of the society.

UNI