In a significant and symbolic event, Governor of Jharkhand and Chancellor of State Universities, CP Radhakrishnan, unveiled the statue of Late Binod Bihari Mahto at Binod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University (BBMKU), Dhanbad, marking not just a tribute to a legendary figure, but also setting a new tone for higher education reforms across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the unveiling as more than a ceremonial act—it was an acknowledgment of Binod Bihari Mahto’s enduring legacy of championing education, dignity of labor, and social justice. He called Mahto a “torchbearer of social consciousness in Jharkhand,” whose life remains a beacon for future generations.
The Governor emphasized that the statue will continually remind students and citizens alike of the transformative power of self-belief, sacrifice, and education in the face of adversity.
Reimagining Universities as Engines of Excellence
Governor Radhakrishnan underscored the urgent need to move beyond the conventional model of higher education that merely grants degrees. He asserted that the current era demands “excellence over certificates”, and that universities must evolve into centers of innovation, accountability, and academic rigor.
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He expressed dissatisfaction with the prevailing standards in Jharkhand’s higher education system but reaffirmed his commitment to systemic reform. He stated that appointments to vacant Vice-Chancellor posts were being conducted promptly and that proactive steps were underway to avoid leadership gaps in university administration.
Call for Transparent and Student-Centric Systems
The Governor insisted on the strict adherence to academic calendars, student-friendly administrative procedures, and transparent certification systems. “Students should feel that the university is invested in their future,” he said, urging institutions to adopt efficient and time-bound processes for exam results, certificate distribution, and academic grievance redressal.
He also highlighted the need for collaborative synergy among students, teachers, and university administration, stating, “Only when each stakeholder fulfills their responsibilities in harmony, can real reform be achieved.”
In the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Governor made a direct appeal for accelerated action to uplift higher education in Jharkhand. He urged the Chief Minister to direct the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) to expedite faculty and staff recruitment, citing that the appointment of teachers, officers, and non-teaching staff is essential for academic excellence.
Vision for a Future-Ready, Skill-Driven Jharkhand
Linking education with employment and empowerment, the Governor emphasized the creation of strong campus placement cells, meaningful industry-academia linkages, and the promotion of original, socially-relevant research. He encouraged universities to develop such an ecosystem that not only retains local talent but also attracts students from across India.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat @2047” mission, the Governor said Jharkhand’s universities must take the lead in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliant youth. “Our young minds are our greatest mineral wealth,” he said, asserting that if channeled well, Jharkhand can become a national hub of knowledge and skill development.
A University Beyond Infrastructure
Reiterating his belief in value-based education, the Governor concluded that a university should not merely be a degree-granting body, but rather a “lighthouse of public consciousness, character building, and social transformation.” He stressed that institutional reputation is earned through the integrity of faculty, the vision of its leadership, and the quality of its research, not its infrastructure alone.
Extending his best wishes to the BBMKU family, he called upon all stakeholders to work together in making the university one of the top academic institutions in the country and to transform Jharkhand into a powerful educational hub of India.
