"Education imparts values to think about the society ... Learning cannot be static in the present age. Students should question and think critically," she said in her inaugural address at the fifth convocation of Presidency University.
Thapar, who was conferred the honoris causa, said the university is as an institution of learning and reflects the change in society.
Biocon founder Kiran Majumdar Shaw, who too was conferred the honoris causa said innovation should be the mantra of present day research-based education and should go hand in hand with affordability.
Vice-chancellor Anuradha Lohia said two new campuses of the university will come up at Kurseong and New Town.
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Altogether 33 students of different streams in undergraduate and post graduate received medals from the governor.
The programme was marred by demonstrations by students belonging to SFI, Independents Consolidation and All India Students Association demonstrated against the Higher Education Bill when the chancellor entered the university campus.
"We wanted to stop higher education minister Partha Chatterjee from attending the convocation as his department had notified the undemocratic act. We have nothing against the governor who is the chancellor but we wanted him to hear the voice of the students," Saumyadeep Ghosh, a student of the university and SFI member told PTI.
When pressed by reporters for his comments on the students demonstartion in front of his vehicle, Tripathi said curtly, "Ask this question to Partha Chatterjee."
Vice-Chancellor Anuradha Lohia said students can always demonstrate and there is always space for dialogue on any issue.