Koraput, Aug 29: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day today.

Prof. Hirendranath Ghosh, Director, NISER, Bhubaneswar, advised students to spend more time studying rather than being excessively engaged with mobile phones and urged them to take responsibility for their own academic and personal growth.

He encouraged students to make the most of their opportunities, take proper notes in class and maintain a healthy balance of eating, sleeping, playing and studying.

He stressed on the importance of discipline of students to make the best use of their formative years. He spoke about the necessity to include basic science departments in university system for scientific institution-building.

He expected that CUO would emerge among the top ten Central Universities and encouraged CUO students to explore opportunities for advanced scientific training, including participation in the BARC Training School.

Prof. Hrushikesh Senapaty, Vice-Chancellor of Vikram Dev University, Jeypore, spoke about reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP).

He highlighted the importance and challenges of outcome-based education.

Raghuram Macha, MLA, Koraput thanked the Ministry of Education, Government of India for supporting CUO and observed that educational institutions should function as workshops for creating capable human beings.

In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Ajit Kumar Shasany, Vice-Chancellor, CUO, stressed discipline, skills and holistic education, urging students to ask, “What is my aim in life?”

He highlighted integrating science with literature, skill-based education, and leveraging tribal diversity, biodiversity and Artificial Intelligence.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision, he emphasised the Blue Economy, Green Economy and Blockchain. He envisioned taking CUO to the global stage, increasing student strength to 5,000 and strengthening the Skill Centre.

He encouraged campus life, sports and fitness, seeking support from HAL and NAD, and concluded by asking students to be happy.

Padma Shri Gobardhan Panika spoke about the importance of tradition, karma and continuity across generations.

Drawing upon the experience of struggle and perseverance, he emphasised that success requires sustained effort and resilience.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pradhan, Registrar (I/c), CUO, delivered the welcome address.

The programme also featured the message of the President of India, read by Dr. Nirjharini Tripathy, and the message of the Governor of Odisha, read by Dr. Pradosh Kumar Rath. A coffee table book titled, “CUO at a Glance”, presenting an overview of the University's academic profile and achievements, was released on this occasion.