The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Developing knowledge society R. S. Grewal A distinguishing feature of the American education system is the involvement of the local communities in nurturing their respective universities. The academic fraternity there has understood that technological advancements to be relevant have to be of benefit to the community in particular and mankind at large. This realisation gives a boost to application-oriented research. Consequently, the industry and the community have emerged as major stakeholders in the research activities being undertaken by universities. Philanthropy and endowments are the hallmarks of fund-raising efforts of the universities in the US. Somehow, in India the concept of private funding of research activities has yet to take roots. A major drawback of the university system in India is that most of research is in the form of publications that does not contribute much to innovation and, invariably, finds no takers in the industry. Thus, the local communities and the industry do not find any benefit in getting associated with the academia. There has been considerable debate in the country to bring the industry and the academia closer to each other. The need was felt because the industry could not find enough skilled manpower coming out of the portals of the universities. However, major effort has been directed towards training process maintenance engineers or those who could engage in repetitive work. There has hardly been any effort in the direction of producing knowledge creators and problem solvers. Our country would soon need manpower to fulfill the demands of the industry in this domain also. That would require emphasis to be laid on application-oriented research and it would demand funding at a large scale. A common refrain of the academia has been that Indians are keener to contribute to their parent institutions abroad than helping develop Indian universities or research institutions. The involvement of the local communities and individual philanthropists in the development of Indian university system is conspicuous by its absence. But, they are not totally to be blamed because they find no tangible benefits in supporting the universities and research institutions at home. Therefore, Indian universities and research institutions need to carry out some introspection. They need to realise, as has been stated by Prof Yashpal, that a university is a place where new ideas germinate, strike roots and grow tall and sturdy. The ideas and knowledge so generated have to be of benefit to society and mankind to gain recognition from various stakeholders. It could be said that they are social institutions like places of worship on which society leans so heavily. Therefore, their activities have to be of direct relevance to society. For example, the underground aquifers in the Malwa region of northern India have been badly polluted due to indiscriminate use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Excessive pumping out of water has resulted in lowering of water table. It is true, that these have been unintended consequences of the development process labeled as the Green Revolution. But despite the problem having been in the public domain for the last more than a decade, the academic fraternity has done precious little to come up with solutions to remedy the situation. Similarly, hosiery and bicycle manufacturing are the major industries in Ludhiana but none of the technical institutions in the region has taken up any worthwhile research projects to develop these sectors. Sports industry in Jalandhar, mini steel plants in Mandi Gobingarh and foundries of Gurdaspur and Batala regions have received no support from the academia in the form of innovations resulting in product development or cost reductions. One notable exception has been the involvement of Punjab Agricultural University to usher in the Green and White Revolutions. In such an environment, it is unfair to expect the community and the industry to provide funding support to academic institutions. The government has neither the resources to fund nor the perception and patience to nurture the university system at the scales envisaged. Therefore, our communities and the industry need to change their mindset. They need to be patient to get the intended results from the research activities undertaken by universities. There could be no instant results, and moreover, not every research project undertaken may result in positive outcomes. Our industry seems to have realised it and considerable headway has been made in this direction. The need is for the communities to get involved in the affairs of universities and sponsor research projects that are relevant to local conditions. The community and the academia need to jointly discuss their problems and take up time-bound research projects that could result in better quality of life, result in product development, reduce input costs and focus on the day-to-day problems of communities. Further, our national psyche would need to undergo a major change and instead of major charities being directed towards building religious institutions, the focus has to shift towards education and research. There have been monetary contributions by society in the field of education, but the research institutions have been generally deprived of this benefit. One reason could be the long gestation period for tangible results to be visible. Another reason could be the lack of commitment by the academia towards research activities. We need to take concrete steps to bring all the stakeholders together. Our industry, communities and the academia need to work together and in symphony to make India a strong knowledge society. The writer is Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh
	Love of reading ensures flying start at school PARENTS who foster a love of reading in their children early on are ensuring they get off to a flying start at school, a research claims. The research also showed that attending pre-school and having parents who taught them a wide range of activities had a positive effect, whereas extended exposure to TV lowered their scores. “One message coming through loud and clear is that how a child learns in their very early years is critical for smooth transition into the educational system,” said Prof. James Law, Newcastle University, co-author of the University of the West of England-led study. “What you do with your child and how you communicate with them when they’re under two is far more important than having a flash car or a detached house in the country,” added Law, according to a University of West statement. “This is a very positive message as it gets us away from the belief that a child’s educational future is predetermined by standard measures of socio-economic disadvantage such as income, housing or the mother’s education,” he said. The review study is based on data from the University of Bristol-led Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children—a long-term population study of children born between April 1991 and December 1992 to mothers living in and around the city. — IANS
	Campus Notes Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Remedial coaching course THE university will organise a 10-week “Remedial Coaching Course in English, Mental Ability and General Knowledge” for the undergraduate and postgraduate students from July 18 to September 23 at its All-India Services Pre-Examination Training Centre. Dr Jagrup Singh Sekhon, director of the center, said Rs 3,000 would be charged as fee from the general category students while no fee would be charged from the reserved category students. Application forms will be available at the centre against a cash payment of Rs 30 and the last date for the submission of application form is July 14, he said. Research project sanctioned The Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences of Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, has sanctioned a major research project worth Rs 27 lakh to carry out research on radon/thoron and progeny measurements in the dwellings of Himachal Pradesh and high heat producing granitic regions of Tosham in Bhiwani district of Haryana. The project has been sanctioned to Prof. Surinder Singh and Dr B.S. Bajwa of the Department of Physics. They will work as principal investigator and co-investigator, respectively. While Prof. Singh has been reporting high uranium values in drinking water samples of the south-west Malwa belt of Punjab, which is known for a high cancer rate in the region, Dr Bajwa is a senior professor of physics and has also been the head of the Department of Physics. 8 M.Tech students placed The Global Institute of Engineering and Technology, a leading educational institute based in Amritsar, has selected eight students from Guru Nanak Dev University. Dr Hardeep Singh, Professor, in charge, placement cell of the university, said five students were selected from M.Tech (CSE), while three students from M.Tech (Communication Systems). Earlier, the interviews were conducted by the senior officials of Global Institute. With this, the number of students placed with various national and multinational companies/organisations has reached 697, he said. Admission schedule The university has announced the admission schedule for the one-year M.Phil (Hindi) course. Dr (Mrs) Sudha Jatinder, Head of the Hindi Department, said the aspirants could register themselves online from July 5 to 22. The entrance test would be held on July 30 while the counselling for this course would be held on August 4, she said, adding that the students could also register themselves for Ph.D in Hindi. Admission to this course would be done through an entrance test to be conducted by the university, she said. She claimed that Guru Nanak Dev University was the lone university in the region to start MA (Hons) in Hindi. The online registration process for admission to this course has already been completed. After completing this course, the degree holders, besides joining the teaching field, could get jobs in banks, railways, insurance companies and the media, she added. — Contributed by G. S. Paul
	ADMISSION DEADLINE Armed Forces Indian Navy, Post Bag No 04, Chanakyapuri PO, New Delhi 110021 www.nausena-bharti.nic.in SSC Officers – July ’12 Course under University Entry Scheme (UES) A) Technical Branch 1) Engineering Branch 2) Electrical Branch 3) Naval Architecture Cadre B) Executive Branch 4) General Service (X) *Eligibility:* BE / BTech (60%). For 1: BE / BTech (Mechanical / Marine / Automotive / Mechatronics / Industrial & Production / Metallurgy / Aeronautical /Aerospace / Control & Production), men only For 2: BE / BTech (Electrical / Electronics / Telecommunications / Avionics / Instrumentation / Instrumentation & Control Engg / Electronics & Instrumentation / Electronics & Comm / Power Engg / Control System Engg / Power Electronics / Computer Sc / IT), men only For 3: BE / BTech (Naval Architecture / Mechanical / Civil / Metallurgy / Aeronautical / Aero Space), for men & women both For 4: BE / BTech (Mechanical / Marine / Aeronautical / Aerospace / Computer Sc Engg / IT / Control / Electrical / Electronics / Control / Telecomm), men only Age: 19 - 24 years DoB: 02 July 1988 – 01 July 1993 *Selection:* SSB Interview; Medical Exam *Application Form:* Send an application on A4 size paper by ordinary post in prescribed format with all required documents to the above address. Superscribe "Application for UES (Technical Branch / Executive Branch)" and "Name of College & District (City)-State……..…." on the envelope / Download from website. *Details:* Website *Application Deadline: 18 July 2011 Indian Army, ADG of Recruiting, West Block III, RK Puram, New Delhi 110066 www.joinindianarmy.nic.in Pre-final year University Entry Scheme (22-UES) for Permanent Commission 2012-13* *Eligibility:* Unmarried Indian male in Pre-final year BE / BTech. Age: 02 July ’88 – 01 July ‘94 (Pre-Final year) *Selection:* SSB Interviews; Medical exam; *Application Form:* Apply in prescribed format on plain paper (30 cm x 20 cm) and send to the nearest Command HQ in a white envelope. SUPERSCRIBE: "APPLICATION FOR 22 UES ENTRY- ENGINEERING." *Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 31 July 2011 Engineering NIIT University, NH 8, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Neemrana (Raj) www.niituniversity.in/b.tech BTech: CSE / ICT / BT / ECE (4 years) *Eligibility:* 10+2 (PCM, 60%) For BT: 10+2 (PCM / PCB / PCMB, 60%) *Selection:* JEE / AIEEE / SAT 2011 scores For BT: NIIT university online exam *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 08 July 2011 Fluid Control Research Institute, Kanjikode West, Palghat 678623 (Ker) (M/o Heavy Industry & Pub Enterprises, GoI) www.fcriindia.com PG Certificate Program in Petroleum & Natural Gas Flow Measurement & Control Techniques (3 months) *Eligibility: BE / BTech in (Electronics & Instrumentation / Electrical & Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Chemical Engg / Mechanical Engg), 60% Selection:* Test / Interview *Details:* Employment News (25 June – 01 July 2011) / Website *Application Deadline:* 15 July 2011 University of Pune, Department of Technology, Pune 411007 (Mah) www.unipune.ac.in 1) MTech-PhD in Technology (Integrated) 2) PhD Programme *Eligibility:* For 1: BE / BTech / MSc (60%) For 2: ME / MTech (60%) *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 15 July 2011 National Power Training Institute (NR), HPTC, Nangal Township Nangal Distt., Ropar 140124 (Punj) (M/o Power, GoI) www.npti.in / www.nptidelhi.net PG Diploma in Hydro Power Plant Engg (39 weeks) *Eligibility:* Bachelors degree (Mechanical / Electrical Engg, 60%) Age Limit: 27 years (on 25 July 2011) *Selection:* Merit (% of marks). *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 25 July 2011 Advanced Training Institute for Electronics & Process Instrumentation, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad 500013 (AP) (M/o Labour & Employment, GoI) www.http://atiepihyderabad.gov.in Higher National Technician Certificate in: 1) Industrial Electronics (48 weeks). 2) Medical Electronics (48 weeks). 3) Process Instrumentation (48 weeks). *Eligibility:* For 1: NCVT Certificate in Electronic Mechanic with experience in Industrial Electronics / Diploma (Electronics & Comm Engg / Electrical & Electronics Engg) / BSc (Physics & Maths) / Electronics For 2: NCVT Certificate in Medical Electronics with experience / Diploma (Electronics & Comm Engg / Electrical & Electronics Engg / Medical Electronics / Biomedical) / BSc (MPC / Electronics / Instrumentation) / Intermediate vocational in MLT / DMLT / DMIT / DMRT / Cardiac Equipment conducted MCI / Vaidya Vidhan Parishad For 3: NCVT / NAC Certificate in Instrument Mechanic with work experience / Diploma in Engg (Electrical / Electronics / Chemical / Instrumentation) / BSc (Maths & Physics) / Instrumentation / Electronics). *Application Form:* Send Rs 75/- by IPO / DD favoring "DDO, ATI – EPI, Hyderabad" payable at any nationalized Bank to the Director at the above address / Download from website *Details:* Employment News (25 June - 01 July 2011) / Website *Application Deadline:* 30 August 2011 Hotel Mgmt Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Pusa, New Delhi 110012 www.ihmpusa.net Certified Hospitality Trainer Program *Eligibility:* BSc in Hospitality & Hotel Administration / Bachelors degree in Hotel Mgmt *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 08 July 2011 Management Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Plot No. 11/7, Sector 11, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075 www.lbsim.ac.in 1) PGDM Executive (15 months Full-time) 2) PG Programme in Management (3 years, Evening program for working Executives) (Fin & Acc / Mktg / HRM / Op & Tech Mgt / IT / Intnl Bus / Entrepr & small Bus / Services Mgt) *Eligibility: For 1:* Bachelors degree (50%); with minimum 5-years work experience For 2: Bachelors degree; 2 years executive level work experience *Selection:* Written Test, GD & Interview *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline: 15 July 2011 Regional Institute of Cooperative Management, Sector 32 C, Chandigarh (GoI) www.ricmchandigarh.org PG Diploma in Agri-Business Mgmt* (2 years) *Eligibility:* Bachelors degree (45%) *Selection:* CAT / MAT / XAT / ATMA / JMET / or state-level entrance test score For Others: appear for September MAT exam Interview: 05 July 2011 *Application Form & Details:* Website IIM-Indore, Pigdamber, Rau, Indore 453331 (MP) www.iimidr.ac.in Integrated PG Programme in Management (5 years) *Eligibility:* 10+2 (60%) / SAT-1 score of 1600 out of 2400 *Application Form & Details:* Website. *Application Deadline:* 06 September 2011 IIM-Bangalore, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560076 (Kar) www.iimb.ernet.in/postgraduate/epgp Executive PG Programme in Mgmt (1 year) *Eligibility:* Bachelors degree with at least 7- 15 years full time work-ex *Selection:* Academic performance, quality & duration of work-ex, GMAT score; statement of purpose, and letters of reference *Application Form & Details:* Website. *Application Deadline:* 30 September 2011 (Online) Medicine National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, BT Road, Bon-Hooghly, Kolkata 700090 (WB) (M/o Social Justice & Environment, GoI) www.nioh.in PG Diploma in Disability Rehabilitation & Mgmt (1 year) *Eligibility:* Bachelors degree (Psychology / Clinical Psychology / Sociology / Social Work / Disability Studies) with 1 year work-ex in area of disability / Bachelors degree (Rehabilitation / Medical Stream) *Application Form:* Send application with bio-data and relevant documents to the Director at the above address. *Details:* Employment News (25 June – 01 July 2011) / Website *Application Deadline:* 16 July 2011 Scholarships United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), Fulbright House, 12, Hailey Road, New Delhi 110001 www.usief.org.in / www.humphreyfellowship.org Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships Programme (The programme brings accomplished mid-level professionals from developing countries to the United States for ten months of non-degree graduate study and related practical professional experiences) *Eligibility:* Masters degree / Professional degree of atleast 4 years duration, 5 years of relevant work-ex, demonstrate leadership qualities, record of public service, details furnished with an undertaking to return to India after completion of fellowship, proficient in both written and spoken English with TOFEL score *Fellowship:* A Humphrey fellowship provides tuition and fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per US government guidelines, a modest allowance for books and supplies, round-trip international air travel to the host institution, domestic travel to the Washington, D.C. workshop, and allowances for professional activities such as field trips, professional visits, and conferences. These fellowships do not provide an allowance for dependents, and the stipend provided under the grant is not sufficient to support family members. *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 15 July 2011 United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), Fulbright House, 12, Hailey Road, New Delhi 110001 www.usief.org.in / www.fulbright-india.org Fulbright-Nehru Visiting Lecturer Fellowship (4 months) (The visiting lecturer fellowships for four months are designed for Indian faculty, researchers and professionals. Applications from all disciplines will be considered. Priority fields are: Agricultural Sciences / Economics / Education / Energy / Sustainable Development and Climate Change / Environment / International Relations / Management and Leadership Development / Media and Communications with focus on Public Service Broadcasting / Public Administration / Public Health / Science and Technology / Study of India with focus on contemporary issues / and Study of the United States. For Study of India or the Study of the United States (American Studies) the areas could include: language and literature, history, government, economics, society and culture, religion, and film studies) *Eligibility:* Applicants should be familiar with the US educational system. Indian faculty/researchers should have a PhD degree or equivalent published work with at least five years of college/university level teaching experience; professionals outside academe should have a PhD degree or equivalent published work with recognized professional standing and at least five years relevant experience; if employed, applications should be routed through proper channel Age: Below 50 years *Fellowship:* The fellowships provide round-trip economy class air travel from India to the US, a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per US government guidelines, modest settling-in allowance and a professional allowance. No allowance or travel is provided for dependents and the stipend provided under the grant is not sufficient to support family members. Scholars with accompanying dependents must have adequate personal funds to support their stay in the US. *Application Form & Details:* Website *Application Deadline:* 15 July 2011 Language and Culture, Block 39, SDA Complex, Kasumpti, Shimla 171009 (HP) Scholarships of Art Courses 2011-12 (For students undergoing training/courses in performing arts, graphic arts leading to a degree or diploma) *Eligibility:* Bonafide resident of Himachal Pradesh *Application Form:* Send application on an A-4 size sheet in the prescribed format to the above address. *Details:* Website. *Application Deadline:* 10 August 2011 Sciences – Biological University of Delhi, Sri Venkateswara College, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi 110021 http://svc.ac.in PG Diploma in Molecular & Biochemical Technology (1 year) *Eligibility:* BSc (Life Sciences / Botany / Biochemistry / Chemistry / Microbiology / Zoology / Applied Zoology / Applied Sciences / Biomedical Sciences / Biological Sc / Biotech) / BTech (Biotechnology) BPharma (50%) *Selection:* Entrance Test: 24 July 2011 & Interview *Application Form:* Send Rs 200/- by DD / PO favouring "The Principal, Sri Venkateswara College, New Delhi," to the Principal, at the above address / Download from website. *Details:* Employment News (25 June – 01 July 2011) / Website *Application Deadline:* 21 July 2011 University Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119 (Har) http://www.kukinfo.com / www.ku.ac.in 1) MPharma (2 years) 2) MTech: Software Engg / Instrumentation / Nano Science & technology / Micro Electronics & VLSI Design / Energy & Environment Mgmt / Computer Sc & Engg / Electronics & Comm Engg / Bio-tech / Computer Engg / Mechanical Engg (with specialization in Thermal Engg / Industrial & Production Engg) *Application Form:* Send Rs. 850/- by DD favouring "Registrar, Kurukshetra University," payable at Kurukshetra to the above address / Download from website. *Details:* Website. *Application Deadline:* 29 July 2011 Gautam Buddh Technical University, IET Campus, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226021 (UP) www.uptu.ac.in 1) MTech 2) MPharm Application Form & Details: Website. *Application Deadline:* 30 July 2011 Himachal Pradesh University, International Centre for Distance Education & Open Learning, Shimla 171005 (HP) 1) BA, BCom & BCA (3 years) 2) MA in (Hindi / Eng / Sanskrit / Pol Sc / Eco / Public Admin / History / Sociology / Music), MA/MSc (Maths), MCom (2 years) 3) PGDCA / PGDPM & LW / APGDIT / PGDMC (1 year) 4) MBA (2 years) 5) MMC (1 year) *Application Form:* Send Rs 250/- by IPO / DD favouring "Director, ICDEOL, HP University, Shimla" to the above address. At counter: Rs 200/- (cash). *Details:* See Prospectus. *Application Deadline:* For 1: 05 October 2011 For 4: 12 August 2011 For Rest: 08 September 2011 Vocational National Vocational Training Institute for Women, D 1, Sector 1, Noida 201301 (UP) (M/o Labour & Employment, Directorate General Employment & Training, GoI) www.dget.nic.in Women’s Vocational Training Programme (at NVTI & RVTIs: Noida, Mumbai, Bangalore, Thiruvanthapuram, Panipat, Indore, Allahabad, Vododara, Jaipur, Meghalaya, Kolkata) Skill Training Courses Trades: Computer Operator & Programming Assistant / Secretarial Practice / Desktop Publishing / Fruits & Vegetables Preservation / Architectural Draughtsmanship / Electronic Mechanic / Instrument Mechanic / Stenography (Hindi) / Dress Making / Hair & Skin Care / Fashion Technology / Interior Decoration & Designing / Catering & Hospitality / Computer Aided Embroidery & Needle Work / Tourism & Travel Mgmt / Short Term Courses in the above (Not under NCVT) *Eligibility:* Class 10 / 10+2 Age: Above 15 years *Application Form:* Send in prescribed format with Rs 75/- by IPO favouring the "DDO" of the institute applied for / Download from website *Details:* Employment News (25 June – 01 July 2011) / Website *Application Deadline:* 07 July 2011 National Council for Vocational Training (M/o Labour & Employment, DGET, GoI) www.dget.nic.in Women’s Vocational Training Programmes (at NVTI & RVTIs: Noida / Mumbai / Bangalore / Thiruvanthapuram / Hissar / Indore / Allahabad / Vadodara / Jaipur / Meghalaya / Kolkata) 1) Modular Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (Dress Making/Cutting & Sewing/Fashion Tech / Embroidery & Needle Craft / Hair & Skin Care / Secretarial Practice (English) / Architectural Draughtsman / Catering & Hospitality / Electronics Mechanic Engg Tech / Training Methodology/POT) 2) Entrepreneurship Development & Business Services Course (4 months) 3) Short Term courses *Application Form:* Send in prescribed format with Rs 75/- by IPO favouring the "DDO" of the institute applied for / Download from website *Details:* Employment News (25 June - 01 July 2011) / Website *Application Deadline:* 15 July 2011 Department of Training & Technical Education, Muni Maya Ram Marg, Pitampura, Delhi 110088 (Govt of Delhi) http://tte.delhigovt.nic.in Engineering & Non Engineering Trades / Courses (At various ITI’s / BTC) *Application Forms & Details: Website Application Deadline: 15 July 2011 Department of Training & Technical Education, Muni Maya Ram Marg, Pitampura, Delhi 110088 (Govt of Delhi) http://tte.delhigovt.nic.in 1) Certificate Course in Business Organization & Administration* (1 year, Full Time) 2) Certificate Course in (Salesmanship & Retail Marketing / Book-Keeping & Accountancy / Store-Keeping & Purchasing) (1 year, Part-Time) *Eligibility:* Class 12 (with English) *Application Forms & Details: Website Application Deadline: 22 July 2011 Pervin Malhotra, Director, Career Guidance India* (CARING) (www.careerguidanceindia.com)