Research must be priority of universities: IIT Prof

Ninth Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, 14 July 2018: “PhD epitomizes the concept of higher education and modern research university. Ideas about the PhD are inseparable from those about the university and its perceived purpose and function in contemporary society. Therefore, research and innovation must be the priority for all universities”. This was stated here today by Prof PK Das, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Guwahati. Prof Das was addressing about 70 PhD scholars at the orientation programme organized by the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya. Another key speaker in the programme was Prof Desmond Kharmawphlang, Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Shillong.

Speaking to the scholars’ gathering, Prof Das said, “Research is something which happens spontaneously. One must be extremely thorough and consistent during research. A PhD scholar has to own his or her work—having thorough understanding of the subject is very important. Any PhD research output must be of some kind of help to the community and society.”

Prof Desmond Kharmawphlang, a renowned folklorist from NEHU, said that a thoroughfare mind is very crucial for research. Addressing the scholars he said, “Observe everything and absorb everything. Do not ignore the micro details. PhD calls for a lot of obligations, commitment and dedication. Everything good in life comes with a cost and doing PhD demands such commitment with great seriousness.”

While Dr PK Goswami, Vice Chancellor of USTM welcomed the invited speakers and PhD scholars present, Dr Alaka Sarma, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University delivered the vote of thanks. The orientation programme also included address by Deans of different schools of studies in USTM and briefing of PhD rules and regulations by Dr A Barbhuiya, Academic Registrar of the University.