Nation is gifted with rich natural resources but is lagging behind in many sectors. Vast pool of human resource in the Nation should be trained and channelised towards development. Education institutions have a crucial role to play in this regard, said Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

Speaking at the inaugural programme of PES Institute of Technology and Management near the city on Thursday, he said that education is key for development.

Persons who are at the helm in the government should visualise the needs of future and design projects accordingly. Though Malnad region is rich in terms of natural and human resources,  poor infrastructure spoiled the prospectus. Education institutions such as PESITM, Government Medical College, College of Veterinary Sciences will turn the region into a hub of learning. Establishment of airport, four lane to connect Shimoga with Bhadravati and other projects will result in influx of investment in the region, he remarked.

Co-founder of Infosys Mr Dinesh who was guest in the programme said that India is emerging as global player as the economy is booming.

Regarding the process of recruitment at Infosys, he informed that annually two million candidates with engineering degree apply for the company of which six lakh short listed students will be provided opportunity to appear for written test. Two lakh students will be called for interview and only 25,000 candidates will be selected.

Students with good academic track record are lagging behind in communication skills and entrepreneur skills.
Education institutions with state-of-the art facilities which create conducive environment for holistic development of students is need of the hour, he said.

Pointing at the difference between what the students learn and what they are expected to do, he said that engineers learn only 10 per cent of the work in colleges and remaining comes through experience and exposure. Policy makers and academicians should come together and address the lacunae in education system.
Universities and education institutions should not remain centres of knowledge but should address the
problems faced by commoners.

Though IT has emerged as most sought after branch in engineering, but students from non-IT streams also enjoy great demand, he noted.

Founder of PES institutes Prof Doreswamy said that students will be trained in soft skills at the institute to make them employable.

Karnataka Rathna awardee Dr Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt who inaugurated the programme called upon students and teachers to dedicate themselves for Nation building activities. Education institutions should imbibe morality and noble values in students, he remarked.

Ministers Eshwarappa and  Shivanna were present.