Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has opined that excellence is not measured merely by academic scores, prestigious degrees and professional accomplishments.

Rather, true excellence is reflected in the character, integrity, discipline, compassion and continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, said the Governor while speaking at the eighth edition of ‘Utkarsh’ conclave, organised by the Kanak News, here today.

According to the Governor, education plays a key role in nurturing the spirit of excellence. Thus, education should move beyond the traditional boundaries of textbooks and examinations and it must encourage curiosity as well as creativity and foster innovation and develop critical thinking, he stated.

On the occasion, the Governor hailed the National Education Policy 2020 for its thrust on excellence and educational reforms. “The new education policy seeks to make learning more flexible, multidisciplinary, practical and skill oriented. The emphasis on digital learning, research, vocational education and holistic development are the key aspects of the new education policy,” he added.

The new education policy strives to prepare students for the global opportunities while giving importance to human values, said the Governor.

On the occasion, Kambhampati urged the parents, teachers, policy makers, educational institutes and media to work collectively for ensuring value-based education, equal opportunity and holistic development for our students.

The gubernator also expressed concern over drug abuse among students and highlighted the role of colleges and universities to check the menace.

He also called upon the people to support and follow the austerity measures suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the financial security of the country.

Besides, Kambhampati praised Sambad, Kanak News and Radio Choklate for organizing the Utkarsh conclave and promoting education as well as social progress in the state.

Eastern Media Limited Chairman Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and Sambad and Kanak News Editor Tanaya Patnaik also spoke at the event.