HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Jan 21: Tezpur University celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day at the KBR Auditorium with a ceremonial programme, beginning with flag hoisting by Prof Amarendra Kumar Das, Vice-Chancellor (Acting) of the university.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor (Acting) emphasised collective efforts to strengthen the university ecosystem, urging stakeholders to focus on innovation, measurable outcomes such as startups and economic value generation. He also highlighted the importance of transparency, fairness, punctuality and dialogue, calling on the campus community to actively participate in the university’s development.
Related Posts:
Delivering the Foundation Day Oration, eminent scientist, author and popular science communicator Dr Dinesh Chandra Goswami spoke on “Free Thinking and Scientific Temperament,” stressing that universities must remain spaces of rational inquiry guided by knowledge. He noted that free thinking requires a foundation of learning and that knowledge should ultimately lead to wisdom—context, judgment and the ability to make appropriate choices.
To illustrate the challenge of communicating new ideas, Dr Goswami recalled an anecdote about Nobel laureate Niels Bohr and his brother Harald Bohr, highlighting how audiences often prefer familiar ideas over novel ones, yet universities must continue to pursue discovery and innovation. He also referred to Galileo, underscoring the courage and discipline required for free inquiry and emphasised that meaningful research takes time and even a single breakthrough idea can significantly benefit society.
On scientific temperament, Dr Goswami stressed reliance on evidence and testability, noting that claims lacking verification should remain pending until evidence emerges. “A claim should be accepted or rejected only after logical thinking and evidence,” he said.
Addressing students directly, he recommended choosing one’s own path with conviction, practising tolerance, protecting the environment through responsible habits, respecting others, showing gratitude and reciprocity and making thoughtful life choices. He concluded with a quote often attributed to Albert Einstein: “Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible,” encouraging students to pursue challenging goals with focus and determination.
The programme ended with a cultural performance and a formal vote of thanks by Prof Vijay Kumar Nath, Chairperson of the Organising Committee.
