Learn English, gain soft skills to excel:Ex-VC

Apart from obtaining a degree, students need to equip themselves with various skills, which are necessary to gain employment, opined University of Mysore (UoM) former vice-chancellor Dr S N Hegde.

He was addressing hundreds of students gathered at the Freshers’ Day programme organised by UoM at Senate Bhavan here on Monday.

While pointing out that students give attention only to scoring marks, Hegde observed that many of them fail in improving communication skills as well as learning English.

Urging students to let go of such an attitude, he said it was essential in this competitive age to gain soft skills. He called on them to show interest in acquiring qualities necessary for them to become competent.

Informing students that there were plenty of employment opportunities, Hegde said youngsters should acquire problem solving skills. Also, emphasis should be give to develop leadership qualities. The ability to work in a team and command over the language, were also important attributes, he added. Self-confidence was also an important aspect, he said.

Along with becoming graduates or post graduates, he told the freshers’ to opt for diploma courses. With the university being a centre of excellence, he said the quality of students expected was very high from people.

Hampi Kannada University former vice-chancellor Prof H J Lakkappa Gowda said many youth are attracted to money, power and a luxurious lifestyle. Meanwhile, they are forgetting the importance of being human beings. Obtaining ranks is not the most important aspect.

Many people get ranks, but fail to gain experience in life. They also lack humanity. But, a few who finish their courses with common grades have exceptional general knowledge and experience, which helps them become successful in life. UoM vice-chancellor Prof V G Talwar, registrar P S Naik, Prof P Eshwar Bhat, Dr Niranjan Vanalli and others were present.