SILCHAR, Jan 24 � �Tomorrow�s conflicts will be fought not for geographical territories but for natural resources like water which is becoming increasingly scarce. The time has come for all of us to realise that the earth is also a living being and we all should collectively work towards healing the future and not stealing from it.� This was the essence of a lecture delivered by Prof Ashok Ogra at Assam University campus at Dargakona on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of the 20th foundation day celebration of Assam University, Prof Ogra, vice president of Discovery and Animal Planet channels, Asia region and director of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, stressed on the need for sustainable development in a world where big corporations are brashly ignoring the alarming signals of depleting natural resources for maximising profits. In his engaging presentation to the university fraternity at the Bipin Chandra Paul auditorium, Prof Ogra expressed hope that premier institutions like Assam University will take the lead in formulating an alternative index for measuring development, which would not only measure profits in monetary terms but also take into consideration the impact it has on nature.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Somnath Dasgupta, while delivering his welcome address recalled the sacrifices of the people of Barak Valley that ultimately led to the establishment of this central university in 1994. Prof Dasgupta however cautioned that although the occasion is one of celebration, it is also the time to reflect on the things that are yet to be achieved if Assam University is to transform into a truly global university. �It�s not important how much we have achieved, but how much is yet to be achieved, and I feel we have a long way to go,� Prof Dasgupta said. The Vice Chancellor stressed on the need for collective endeavour of the university fraternity and the cooperation of the conscientious citizens of this region in realising the dream of turning Assam University into a front-ranking central university of the country.
The day-long celebrations started with offering of floral tribute at Shahid Minar and Netaji�s statue at the campus precincts followed by hoisting of the university flag by the vice chancellor, Prof Somnath Dasgupta. Also present at the occasion were pro vice chancellor of Silchar campus, Prof K V Nagaraj and Silchar MP, Kabindra Purkayastha. As part of the programme, a journal of Sanskrit, edited by Prof Swapna Devi was released. A docu-feature on Assam University, produced by the Department of Mass Communication and broadcast on Doordarshan national network recently, was also screened at the function.
