Tiruvannamalai Collector praises UHET; VIT Chancellor stresses on choosing a good government

The Universal Higher Education Trust (UHET), based in Vellore, launched its Higher Education for All project in Tiruvannamalai. The event, held under the leadership of K Viswanathan, Chairman of the Trust and Founder-Chancellor of VIT University, brought together representatives from higher secondary schools, colleges, organisations, and associations to discuss the importance of expanding higher education opportunities.

During his address, VIT Chancellor K Viswanathan emphasised the need for a well-educated society to choose a good government. He highlighted that India's higher education enrollment rate is lagging behind compared to other developing nations. While 60% of students in China, 80% in the U.S., and 100% in South Korea pursue higher education, India still falls behind despite having a larger population than China. He pointed out that insufficient government funding for education has hindered India's economic growth, stressing that awareness and investment in education are crucial for national progress.

Tiruvannamalai District Collector D Bhaskara Pandian, who was a special guest, commended the Higher Education for All initiative, stating that education is not just about knowledge but action. He emphasised that higher education should be accessible to everyone, and this initiative could be a game-changer for the district. Drawing historical references, he mentioned the presence of many female poets during the Sangam period, highlighting Tamil Nadu's deep-rooted educational traditions.

As a show of support, former Agriculture Minister SS Krishnamoorthy presented a Rs. 1 lakh donation on behalf of the Thiruvalluvar Education Trust, while Education Committee Chairman K Karunanidhi contributed Rs. 3 lakh on behalf of the SKP Education Committee to the UHET.

The event also featured felicitation speeches by VIT University Vice-Chancellor GV Selvam, Foundation Secretary J Lakshmanan, Finance Committee Chairman M Venkata Subbu, and District Principal Education Officer C Swami Muthalagan, among others. Tamil Movement State Secretary M Sukumar hosted the program, and P Sundar Raj, Director of the Foundation Assistance Program, delivered the vote of thanks.