Cuttack, April 16: Deputy chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia said though the country was yet to go a long way in terms of development, the current growth rate of eight per cent and the decrease in the rate of population growth had created an amiable environment for students to pursue bright careers.

Speaking at the 4th convocation of the Ravenshaw University today, Ahluwalia encouraged students to make use of the current growth scenario. He also deliberated on the current scenario of equity and justice along with redistribution and reformation of the nation’s financial structure.

The university conferred on Ahluwalia an honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Lit) degree.

Ahluwalia, who was also the chief guest, at the convocation said: “The objectives of the 12th Five Year Plan, that will be over in 2012, have been achieved to a great extent and there has been an increase in the per capita income of the country. Students of the current generation will find greater job opportunities than in our times.”

“Students of Orissa must capitalise on building a strong equity for the state to help boost the growth rate,” he added. The expert economist said he was honoured to receive the degree from Ravenshaw.

“I had heard of Ravenshaw from my friends, alumni of this institution, who have scaled heights in various fields. I found the building impressive and it was wonderful to be at the institute with a legacy of great traditions in academics,” he said.

Vice-chancellor Devdas Chhotray in his annual report said that the lack of resources for infrastructure was a challenge for Ravenshaw. “However, the state government had given 150 acres of prime land in the city to build a second campus for Ravenshaw. But hundreds of crores will be required to make the campus world class,” he said.

Following Sam Pitroda’s advice to develop it as a knowledge city, the second campus would comprise of skyscrapers on the bank of Mahanadi, he added.

The university also awarded honorary degrees to eminent personalities such as, legal expert Indira Jaising, academician Prabhat Nalini Das, former state chief secretary Lalat Indu Parija, writer Manoj Das, theatre personality Girish Karnad, physician Mukund Sadashiv Joshi and ophthalmologist Taraprasad Das. Wearing the traditional gown, varsity chancellor and Governor M.C. Bhandare handed over degrees to eminent personalities and almost 50 toppers.

Students who secured first and second positions in the university’s Borasambar debate of 2010 were also awarded.