By Newsgram Staff Writer

Indian universities must recognize emerging global trends that are creating new models of knowledge dispensation, President Pranab Mukherjee today said while addressing the 64 convocation of Panjab university.

President stressed on the role of education in shaping the destiny of a nation. He said that Indian universities must note the evolution of online courses and incorporate them in their educational structure to maximize benefits to students.

'Many innovative ideas are born out of the ingenuity of the common man. Mentoring them to validate ideas and design viable products, calls for the development of an innovation value-chain. Higher learning institutions due to their multiple linkages can propel this eco-system.' said the President.

The 2015 Times Higher Education World Reputation Ranking had not featured a single Indian university in the list which shows that major investment and innovation would be required to make universities in India at par with their international counterparts.

He urged institutions to fire the power of imagination of their students so that they can think beyond grades and classrooms to question concepts and build grand vision through research and inquiry.

Congratulating the Panjab University students for their success in various walks of life, the President opined that Indian universities must produce men and women of character and integrity