University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. Virander S. Chauhan on November 24 highlighted the importance of autonomy of education and said it is an important factor for the emergence of eminent thinkers and philosophers in society.

“Autonomy of education has been and is an important factor for the emergence of eminent thinkers and philosophers,” he said, adding “Indian education system in the British era was limited to producing ‘Babus’ and not thinkers and philosophers. “

“Indian education system which is for centuries focusing on philosophy and thought has its origin nearly 250 years back,” he said while delivering a lecture on 48thFoundation Day of the Guru Nanak Dev University.

“At the time of independence, India had only 20 Universities, but now the number of universities has grown to about 700,” he said, adding, “Over the years, education has been linked with jobs, however education is related with acquiring the ability to learn and think independently.”

Advising youth to ensure quality in teaching profession and nobility of the profession, he said, “There is no other profession as satisfying as teaching. This is the only profession where we nurture youngsters to become nation builders. Get quality in imparting education.”

Talking about research, Chauhan said, “One need to ask a socially relevant question and then try to find an answer to it by carrying out research.”

Prof. RNK Bamezai, former Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Katra, Jammu; Chiranjiv Singh, IAS (Retd.), President of the Alliance Francaise, Bangalore and former Ambassador of India at UNESCO, Paris, participated and spoke during the celebration.