S Somanath
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) S Somanath took charge as the chancellor of Chanakya University on Thursday.
On the occasion, he urged the academic community to go beyond conventional benchmarks and focus on shaping the character and competence of every student.
Highlighting a critical structural gap, Somanath drew attention to the disconnect between academia and industry. “Academic research must feed into the nation’s economic growth,” he emphasised.
Speaking about the need to cultivate an ecosystem that naturally attracts top talent from around the world, he emphasised the importance of creating a space where growth, innovation, and collaboration flourish and students are inspired to be part of a larger
mission.
Somanath envisioned Chanakya University as a modern-day Nalanda or Takshashila university, rooted in India’s civilizational values and responsive to future challenges.
Somanath will chair the newly formed Board of Governors (BoG), which includes representatives from academia and industry.