From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 1: Australian Consul General in India Barry O'Farrell called on chief minister Siddaramaiah and held talks, when it was decided to strengthen the relationship between Karnataka and Australia in information technology, education and other fields.

Karnataka is the leading state in the country. It has also made progress in the field of technology and education, the Chief Minister said and mentioned that the state is keen to partner with Australia in various fields.

The chief minister expressed happiness over the opening of the Australian Consulate in Bengaluru in a few days.

Australian consul general in South India Sara Kirlev, deputy consul general Hyung-Min Kim, designated Deputy Consul General of the Australian Consulate General to be established in Bengaluru.

State IT BT department additional chief secretary Dr E V Ramana Reddy and other officers were present.

The Australian consul general in India Barry O'Farrell and Australian Consul General in South India Sara Kirlev, deputy consul general Hyung-Min Kim, designated deputy consul general of the Australian consulate general, later called on deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar and held discussions with the latter.

CM asked the universities to develop a scientific temperament

Chief minister Siddaramaiah said that the universities should not indulge in dividing the society due to lack of social thinking.

He held a discussion for about 45 minutes with the delegation of vice chancellors of various universities at the Home Office Krishna and expressed concern over universities deviating from their objectives.

Universities should strive hard to ensure social values and social justice. Universities have the power to shape the future of the country more scientifically. If the universities are regressive against their true objectives, the future of the students and the country also becomes dark.

"Our government is committed to strengthen higher education on a scientific basis," he said made it clear that he will not accept anything other than this.

Professor Ashok Aluru of Madikeri University Dr B K Ravi of Koppal University, professor Deshpande of Bagalkote University, Dr Jangamashetti of Haveri University, professor Biradar of Bidar University, professot Taranath of Hassan University, vice Chancellor of Chamarajanagar University professor Gangadhar were present.