Varsities told to step up research activity

Osmania University: Satavahana University In-charge Vice-Chancellor T Chiranjeevulu on Wednesday observed that varsities should move forward as centres of research besides teaching.

He was speaking at OU Guest House at the release of book, 'Diversity in Indian Literatures in English: Recent Reflections,' and research journal, 'Satavahana Journal of English Studies,' under the stewardship of Prof Rajagopalachary. Satavahana University Registrar Prof Umesh Kumar presided over the function. Prof Gopal Rao released the publications.

The SU VC described English as an international community language. He noted how countries like China, Japan, South Korea were forced to use it. "English has made it possible for Indians in the US to strengthen its economy." However, he pointed out that students in India were backward in English and communication skills. Hence, there was a need for efforts to give a boost to English skills among the students.

Prof G Damodar told the gathering that he would strive to prepare a plan to enable the students of government schools to do well in English.

In his address, former CIC Commissioner Madabhushi Sridhar laid stress on writers making efforts to ensure that academic books and journals reach maximum number of people through use of technology. Among the speakers were VCs of B R Ambedkar Open University Prof Sitarama Rao and of MG University Prof Altaf Hussain, former Vikrampuri University VC Prof C Vishveswara Rao, TS SET member-secretary Prof Yadavarajulu.