GITAM should focus on values, quality research: M Sri Bharat

GITAM Deemed to be University President M. Sri Bharat has called upon educational institutions to move beyond rankings and publicity, and to focus instead on nurturing integrity, empathy, leadership, and innovative thinking among students.

Interacting with newly admitted students at GITAM University on Wednesday, Mr. Bharat urged them to question existing ideas, remain open to evidence, and become solution-oriented leaders who address societal challenges.

Emphasising quality over quantity in research, he said the university had discontinued its part-time Ph.D. programme and introduced a stringent admission process for full-time doctoral studies, comprising entrance tests and interviews.

Mr. Bharat said GITAM had introduced an online system that allows students to access their evaluated answer scripts, ensuring greater transparency in examinations. He also cautioned students against misinformation circulating on social media.

Highlighting student development initiatives, he said the university promoted leadership through its Student Ambassador and Sports Ambassador programmes, while its Venture Development Centre supported entrepreneurship through pre-incubation and incubation services. He added that internship and career support for law students would be strengthened further.

Senior university officials, faculty members, and students attended the session.