Higher education minister Badri Narayan Patra honours Madhusudan Panigrahi, an eminent personality in the field of radio broadcasting, on the foundation day of Berhampur University. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Berhampur, Jan. 2: Higher education minister Badri Narayan Patra advocated for the promotion of quality education and a competitive spirit while addressing the 47th foundation day celebrations of the Berhampur University here.

“Knowledge is power and students must acquire knowledge for personality development,” he said, heaping lavish praises on varsity vice-chancellor Jayant Mahapatra and faculty members for efforts to develop the institution as a centre for dissemination of knowledge.

Mahapatra suggested the minister to convene meetings of all the vice-chancellors at least twice a year to understand the pros and cons of the university system and review the situation accordingly for better education and administration.

“This practice exists in other states and we must follow it too for a healthy atmosphere in our universities,” he said. Eminent personality in the field of radio broadcasting Madhusudan Panigrahi and veteran writer Chandramani Swain were felicitated on the occasion.

The university was established in 1967. As many as 139 colleges in Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Rayagada, Nawarangapur and Malkangiri are affiliated to this institution

Six other colleges under its jurisdiction that have been accorded autonomy are Khallikote College in Berhampur, Vikram Dev College in Jeypore, SKCG College in Paralakhemundi, Sashi Bhusan Rath Governemnt Women’s College in Berhampur, Government College in Phulbani and Rayagada College.