Indian President Droupadi Murmu raised concern on Monday over the fact that a single educational institution from the country is not being included in the world”s Top 50, despite India being touted as having the world”s oldest knowledge tradition. Addressing the 69th convocation of IIT Kharagpur, the president acknowledged that ranking is not a criterion for quality.

However, according to her, a better ranking would boost reputation and attract foreign students and faculty to the country.

“Not even a single educational institution in such a vast country with the world”s oldest knowledge tradition is among the top 50 educational institutions in the world. We need to think about it. The race for ranking is not more important than a good education. But good ranking not only attracts students and good faculty from all over the world but also enhances the reputation of the country,” she said, according to PTI.

The president hailed the Central Government’s policy of internationalization and globalization of the IITs as it would raise IITs at the international level and bring global recognition. With the distinction of being the first IIT, IIT Kharagpur has produced great talents in its journey of almost 73 years, and its contribution to the development of the country is unmatched, the president said.

The President hailed the fact that among the 3,205 degree awardees, around one-fifth have turned out to be women. “It has been found that today about 21% of those receiving degrees are girls, and that too, I believe in science and technology. Greater participation of women in the field will also lead to a healthy and prosperous society, she said.

The President urged institutes to harness technology for promoting social justice and equity and not to widen the gap in society. The golden age would come only through technology. According to her, India”s digital payment systems have simplified the lives of the common people. India is setting new standards and emerging as a world power, the president said.