No Indian educational institution among Asia's top 30

Gandhinagar: No Indian educational institution was able to make it among the top 30 in the recently released Asian institution rankings. "QS Asian University 2012 rankings have just been released and no Indian educational institution has been able to make it among the top 30 Asian institutions," Chairman-Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, GN Mashelkar said, while speaking at the first Convocation of the institute in Gandhinagar.

The ranking was released around two weeks ago, he said adding only four Indian institutions have made it to top 50. Expressing concern over the trend, Mashelkar said none of our (Indian) educational institutions have occupied space ever in top one hundred in the global rankings released by Sanghai University.

"The global rankings is given by Sanghai University, and we have never been there in the top one hundred," he said. He pointed out that for an institute to rise to top, it should essentially have three virtues innovation, passion and compassion.

Chief guest on the occasion, Infosys Chairman Emeritus Narayana Murthy told the students that they were passing out at a time when India was the cynosure of all eyes.

"The world expects India to be one of the leaders to solve global problems of politics and economics. India sits at the high table in major multilateral deliberations," Murthy said.

"We are also the most thin skinned people. We have to learn to take criticism objectively. Therefore, when somebody criticises you or India, do not loose temper. Sit down with him or her, ask for data and facts, and argue rationally," he advised the students.

"Remember that discipline, speed of decision making and velocity of action are necessary attributes for high performance. Every day, in whatever you do, just ask how you can make it cheaper, faster and better. I believe that innovation must become part of the DNA of every organisation from the janitor to the Chairman," he said.

Eighty-six students were awarded degrees in Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) at the convocation.