Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan4: The state government should fill up the large number of vacancies in both teaching and non-teaching positions as staff shortage has been hampering delivery of quality education to students at the Utkal University of Culture (UUC), said its vice chancellor Debendranath Jena, on the foundation day of the varsity Sunday at Bhanja Kala Mandap.
While addressing the students, Jena said, “We are severely short on manpower at present due to which we are facing challenges in providing quality education to art and culture students.” Jena also raised the issue of delay on the part of the University Grant Commission (UGC) in recognizing the university under section 12(B), which would entitle it to claim regular grants given as assistance to other colleges recognized by the UGC.
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, commissioner-cum-secretary, culture department, appeared more jovial while addressing youngsters on the foundation day and called the completion of 16 years by the UUC as ‘sweet’ and ‘progressing’. “Number 16 is the most beautiful period in our life and associated with sweetness,” Padhee said. “I want two things for the college this year, a new campus and recognition under 12(B) of the UGC act. It’s really sad that the university is still not getting grant from the Commission.”
Padhee also urged the students to use technology with restraint and in a good way that would promote the local culture. On the foundation day, the Bhanja Kala premises was decorated with various artifacts made by the students. Exhibitions on painting, design, sculpting and photography were also held. Reminiscent of Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong held by youngsters against the Chinese autocracy recently, several colorful umbrellas were hung from the trees on the premises. One tree also had small bottles, with colours in those, hanging from its branches, which a painter said, demonstrated the ups and downs one faces in life. Earlier, the event started with Governor S.C. Jameer, also the chancellor, lighting lamps and taking a walk through the various exhibitions. Tourism and culture minister Ashok Chandra Panda also joined the Governor later on the dais. The Governor hoped that in times to come, “the university will play a crucial role in bringing about cultural renaissance in Orissa and will become a center of excellence in the near future.”
Panda, in his address said, “As the state is a land of confluence of many religions, and the Jagannath cult is the accepted faith of the people, setting up of a culture university is apt and justified.” He called upon the teachers and students to promote cultural education and research activities on culture.
