Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind will attend a special event to mark the platinum jubilee of the Utkal University in Odisha on December 8.

It was announced by Higher Education Minister Arun Sahu at a function, organised by the university, here on Sunday.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan suggested creating an alumni association fund to foster innovation in higher education and research, and pledged to donate his one-year salary to it.

Pradhan, an alumnus, said the alumni should play a greater role in making the Utkal University a world-class varsity.

Inaugurating the five-day celebration of the varsity on Saturday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Rs 100 crore had been sanctioned for setting up six centres of excellence at the varsity.

IANS
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