Mysuru: The thoughts flowed, suggestions given and the interaction allowed even students to express their ideas at the ‘Intellectual Conclave,’ organised by the JD(S) at Kalamandira  here yesterday.

Hongesh Gowda, an engineering graduate, sounded apprehensive over the future of the unemployed youth in the wake of the State Government’s plan to increase the retirement age of its employees from 60 to 62 years.  The youth who were already in waiting, have to stare at uncertainty with this new  plan, he said.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Dr. S. Chandrashekar Shetty wondered if any development had occurred in the last 70 years since independence. If it has occurred, it must mean all round development but in what direction have we progressed, why is it we are still lagging behind is something all of us need to introspect.

Former Vice-Chancellor of University of Agriculture Sciences Dr. M. Mahadevappa said that in this era of Science and Technology, the farmers were the ones who have been deceived. Both the farmers and our country are ranked below in agriculture. We should focus on Science and Technology and stop subsidises. There is nothing in the syllabus about agriculture and hence this should change. Swaminathan Commission Report must be implemented at the earliest, he suggested.

He also expressed displeasure regarding appointment of Vice-Chancellors. Why was this situation not there before 2000? Are the MLC seats going to deserving people? were the questions he posed.

Former Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore Prof. S.N. Hegde who chaired the meeting said that when V.P. Singh was the Prime Minister, eminent Scientists like Prof. G.K. Menon and Dr. Raja Ramanna were the Ministers in the government. However, the scientists now-a-days have been completely sidelined and even looked down upon. The old universities are lying in a state of neglect. The people should decide in which place, what university should be located, he added.

Former Minister A.H. Vishwanath said that there should be a bridge between primary, secondary and higher education. We are at a loss to explain where we stand. Elections must be held in University colleges because students will understand the value of votes, democracy and its importance.

Former VCs Prof. P. Venkatarmaiah, Prof. O. Anantharamaiah, Prof. N.S. Ramegowda, MLA G.T. Devegowda, Prasaranga former Director Prof. C. Naganna, Prof. Govindaiah, Dr. N. Ramesh, R. Vasudevamurthy of Mahajana Educational Institution, Pharmacist Association Secretary Prof. D. Rajendra, retired DDPI Sharadamma and others were present.