Prof. Murli Manohar Joshi, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Science, Technology and Ocean Development emphasized the need of bringing issues related to humans in order to create a learned ambience which fosters humanity. He was delivering the key note and presidential address in the Golden Jubilee inaugural function of the University Grants Commission. He highlighted the need for achieving quality and excellence in undergraduate and post-graduate education and in research. He commended the steps taken by the UGC during the Xth Plan towards

Prof. Murli Mahohar Joshi, Minister of HRD

encouraging universities to make three year degree structure more flexible to allow students to simultaneously pursue additional utility oriented certificate and diploma programmes. The Minister also reiterated the need of setting up two independent Research Councils in the discipline of Science and Technology as well as in Humanities and Social Sciences. In order to give higher education a holistic approach, there is a need to bring issues related to humans in the realm of learning and provide knowledge and skill of living life in different physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual phases.