Eminent space scientist Prof K Kasturirangan today asserted that universities, which are veritable abodes for research in multi disciplines, continue to be the foundations on which nation building rests.

Speaking as Chief Guest on the Seventh Convocation of Ravenshaw University here, the former chairman of ISRO pointed out that universities produce students and leaders with character, courage and conviction to face the demands and challenges ahead.

“Among the different models of institutions providing higher education in the contemporary world, universities still occupy a central place with time-tested approaches and value systems,” Prof Kasturirangan said, adding that Indian Universities have always set examples and standards for enlightened citizenship.

For his illustrious contributions in the field of space research, the 74-year-old Prof Kasturirangan, who is currently the Chancellor of JNU, was honoured with Honoris Causa by the Ravenshaw University on the occasion by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.).

The University Chancellor and Odisha Governor S C Jamir also honoured seven other eminent persons by conferring upon them the University’s Honoris Causa.

They include retired Supreme Court judge Justice A K Patnaik, eminent litterateurs Pratibha Ray, Ramakanta Rath, social activist Tulasi Munda, sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra, nuclear medicine expert Girijanandan Mahapatra and German historian Hermann Kulke, who has immensely contributed towards research projects on Cult of Lord Jagannath.

Prof Kulke, however, could not make it to the occasion to receive his citation for the Degree.

On the occasion, the University awarded Ph.D degree to 24 scholars and 115 gold medals to both graduate and post graduate students for the year 2013 and 2014.

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