Recently, SRM University was graced by the presence of Ratan
Tata (Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons), one of the prominent businessmen,
investor and a philanthropist. There were students and professors drawn from
all faculties of the university-Engineering and Technology, Science and
Humanities, Medical and Dental Sciences, Health Sciences, Management and Law
and he had an interactive session with them.
Ratan Tata had a meeting with the founder Chancellor of SRM University, Dr. Paari Vendhar before the session. They discussed the challenges and opportunities for higher education in India as many students opt for higher studies abroad. According to Tata, this won't happen if educational institutions provide eminent facilities here.
Tata said that if India has to prosper then the people should have the freedom of choosing what to do without any interference from anyone including the government as its task is to monitor.
He further added that the young leaders have many qualities but they need to make a difference. He stressed that you gain experience through profession which you may not learn in college. He said to students that you need to be honest in your profession.
He praised the state of the art facilities at SRM University and endorsing the institution's plans for the future. He instructed students that team work, timing, planning are essentials for success but they need intuition as well. They should take everything as learning because not every project will succeed.
The business tycoon stated that both the public and the private sectors need to go the distance in addressing the needs of the under privileged and specially challenged people as India still believes in discriminate and lacks a basic health care network.
He feels that we don't give attention to disability as we don't even have a ramp in many pavements to address the needs of people on wheel-chairs. He also said that he is ready to support young minds but it would depend upon viability of the project as well as the greed of the entrepreneur.
After that, he went on a tour of SRM University with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Prabir Bagchi.