MP Dr. CN Manjunath Criticizes Inadequate Research Funding in Indian Universities
Bengaluru: Dr. CN Manjunath, a cardiologist-turned-politician and BJP Member of Parliament representing the Bangalore Rural constituency, raised serious concerns on Tuesday about the state of research funding in Indian universities. He asserted that the allocation of funds for research activities in India is the lowest compared to the rest of the world, highlighting a critical issue in the nation's academic and innovation landscape.
Research Funding Crisis in Higher Education
During his address at the convocation ceremony of Karnataka Sanskrit University, held at the Jnanajyothi Auditorium, Dr. Manjunath pointed out that research has been sidelined due to a severe shortage of funds across nearly all universities in the country. "Research has taken a back seat because of paucity of funds in almost all universities," the MP alleged, emphasizing the detrimental impact on academic progress.
He stressed the urgent need for both state governments and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to step up their efforts. "It is imperative on the part of both the state and University Grants Commission (UGC) to allocate sufficient funds for research. Without that, there is no progress, no innovation and no new thoughts," Dr. Manjunath stated. He further described research as the lifeline of discoveries and innovations, warning that without adequate support, the learning process could become stagnant, hindering India's growth in global knowledge economies.
Governor Gehlot Highlights Sanskrit's Modern Relevance
At the same event, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot delivered a speech underscoring the enduring significance of Sanskrit. He proclaimed that Sanskrit is not merely a language but the soul of India, serving as the foundational bedrock of the country's civilisation, culture, and philosophical heritage. Governor Gehlot also highlighted its contemporary utility, noting that the structural precision of Sanskrit makes it invaluable for fields such as artificial intelligence and data science, suggesting its potential to contribute to cutting-edge technological advancements.
Convocation Ceremony Celebrates Academic Achievements
The convocation was a momentous occasion for 917 students from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 batches, who were conferred various degrees. The awards included:
- Shastri (BA) degrees
- Acharya (MA) degrees
- MSc degrees in yoga and yoga therapy
In addition, 36 students were honored with PhD degrees, recognizing their advanced research contributions, while 53 outstanding achievers received gold medals for academic excellence. This celebration of scholarly accomplishments underscored the importance of fostering educational environments that support both traditional learning and innovative research.
The event brought together key figures from politics and academia to address pressing issues in higher education, blending calls for increased research funding with celebrations of cultural and academic milestones.
