Bhubaneswar, March 10: Former advisor to the Planning Commission Pulin B. Nayak emphasised the role of universities in shaping the modern economy while addressing the Berhampur University's 21st convocation ceremony.

"Universities teach and train young minds and carry out researches in various fields to make the world a better place to live," Nayak said.

"It is known that Odisha is one of the poor states of the country. However, there has been a distinct growth rate in the state since 2003-04. Besides, Odisha seems to have a faster growth rate than the national average since then," said the economist.

The former professor of Delhi School of Economics said the percentage of population living below poverty line in the state had declined from 57.2 per cent in 2004-05 to 32.59 per cent in 2011-12.

"This is by far the sharpest drop in poverty level among the major states of the country in such a short time. Despite all the positive aspects of Odisha's recent growth trajectory, we should understand that there is no room for complacency," he said.

Odisha is one of the poorest states of India and it needs to strengthen its industrial base. Keeping with the national trend, the share of agriculture in Odisha's gross state domestic product has been steadily declining, Nayak said. "This is the root of the problem of income inequality and rural poverty in the state," he said.

Governor S.C. Jamir said: "It is important that universities focus on specialised knowledge and skill development." He advised the students to make the best use of knowledge to be successful.

Vice-chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das said the university was about to start some new postgraduate departments from the current academic session. The varsity is planning to increase 20 per cent seats in various departments, he said. "The university has also introduced many new academic and examination reforms," he said. Jamir honoured Nayak for his outstanding contribution to learning and education. Thirteen persons qualified for DLit and DSc degrees and 189 for PhD degree, while 39 students, who topped in various departments, received gold medals during the occasion.