Rourkela, Nov. 21: Phalguni Gupta, director of the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, urged students and faculty members of Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) to constantly try and explore new frontiers.

Speaking at the foundation day ceremony of the varsity today, Gupta said: "Dedication and attitude are two major components both for the faculty members and students."

"Thirty per cent of the students do not attend classes and this is a phenomenon all across the country, which is absolutely alarming. The need of the hour is that faculty members must keep themselves abreast of contemporary developments in teaching methodologies to ensure that students are interested in learning," Gupta said, suggesting the faculty members should employ digital technology in the classrooms.

He also said both students and teachers must set clear targets and try to achieve them with in all earnestness.

The chief executive officer of Vedanta Aluminium Limited, Abhijit Pati, who was also present at the event, stressed the three "Ps" for professionals. "They are passion, perseverance and patience and are the three most important things, which I have learnt from my professional life," said Pati.

Calling upon the students to be practical and pragmatic, the Vedanta CEO said: "The students should understand that just acquiring knowledge is not enough. Bookworms without exposure to real-time solutions are of no use, not even in academics."

Speaking about the vision and strategic plan of the varsity, vice-chancellor Shyam Sunder Pattnaik said: "BPUT is going to start a cell for start-ups. We will have 10 start-ups on our campus and will give them space to work. Our students will be involved which will enable them to grow and learn," said Pattnaik.

"Besides, new steps are being initiated to strengthen the research base of the university for which we are going to appoint one research professor, whose sole aim will be to provide real time direction to scholars," said Pattnaik.

"For the first time, BPUT is going to assist all the 72 PhD and 52 MTech scholars with a sum of Rs 12,000 and Rs 6,000 respectively. Besides, BPUT is going to start skill certification and training programmes along with the collaboration from corporate houses," Pattnaik said.

Successful students in various competitions and outstanding employees of the varsity were also awarded on the occasion.