The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) hosted its 7th edition of The EduMeet & Education Excellence Awards 2023 on 22nd July in Kolkata. The EduMeet is an annual meet of educationists, business leaders, subject experts, decision makers, influencers and social impact investors. ASSOCHAM-PWC Knowledge Report on digital trends in India was also released in presence of the dignitaries.
Globally Education and Skilling plays a vital role in building societies and organisations. In India, the education sector is constantly evolving to scale it up to be at par with global institutions. The cutting-edge technologies from Virtual Reality to Artificial Intelligence are changing the way learning is acquired or the way training is imparted. The change is leading us to embrace technology and concepts such as life-long learning to ensure that we are better equipped for the fast-changing world.
In India, National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) is envisaged to offer a platform for free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration and so on, both for School and Higher Education. There is a dynamic shift in education delivery.
Eminent speakers from various fields like H.E. Ms. Rowan Ainsworth, Consul General, Australian Consulate General, Kolkata, H.E. Mr. Nick Low, Dy. High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, Mr. Anant Kishore Saran, Joint Secretary (Police-I), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Mr. Pradip Agarwal, Co-Chairman Higher Education Council –East & CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions Mr. Alok Tibrewal, Chairman, School Education Council –East & Pro-Vice Chancellor, DPS Ruby Park & Durgapur, Prof. Dilip Shah, Dean, The Bhawanipur Education Society College Mr. Ramaprosad Ghosh, Managing Director – Advisory, PwC Major General V N Chaturvedi (Retd.), Secretary General, Vidya Mandir Society and Mr. Manoj Joshi, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Higher Education Council-East & Director, George Group of Colleges was present to grace the occasion.
Mrs. Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director, ASSOCHAM said, “We are hosting this meet with the background of 3 years of new National Education Policy in India, where series of path breaking initiatives have been taken by Ministry of Education and several state governments from Andhra Pradesh to UP from Gujarat to Assam. There has been concentrated effort by all to build a future ready education system for the global workforce. This conference also comes at a time when all four G20 education working group meetings are complete witnessing combined efforts of all world leaders to commit to collaboration and engagements. Another key thing is technology – Digital technology is playing a vital role in education, the path has been paved for E- universities as it is expected they would not just empower education but also aid social and economic development. The National Credit Framework has been established to provide credit points to the students. By enhancing learning outcomes and by incorporating ethical frameworks and promoting collaboration we can prepare students for tomorrow’s world.”
Guest of Honour, H.E. Ms. Rowan Ainsworth, Consul General, Australian Consulate General, Kolkata said, “Education has the power to change the lives and of course the destiny of a nation. Australia & India are working together and investing in education for sustainable growth.”
H.E. Mr. Nick Low, Dy. High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata said, ” 2030 UK-India road map in science, education & technology is going to shape the future of the world. UK-India education partnership is growing and it will further strengthen the optimism across the globe for a better life & better future.”
Mr. Pradip Agarwal, Co-Chairman Higher Education Council –East &CEO, Heritage Group of Institutions said, “Recently, National Research Foundation bill 2023 was passed in the parliament with an aim to establish NRF, an apex body to provide high level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per the recommendations of the NEP, at a total estimated cost of Rs.50000 crores during five years ie 2023-2028. Further a lot of emphasis has been given on Internationalization of education wherein Foreign universities are being invited to establish their campus in India and offer their programs. During G20, education working group committee meetings held recently, a no. of foreign countries along with University representatives were invited and a no. of MOUs were also signed.”
Mr. Alok Tibrewal, Chairman, School Education Council –East & Pro-Vice Chancellor, DPS Ruby Park & Durgapur said, “The New Education policy will enable India to once again reclaim its pole position in the world. Education is that potent tool with which we can transform society .The NEP is a revolutionary as well as evolutionary step, and with the right implementation we will definitely take giant strides ahead .
ASSOCHAM, under its initiative Bharat@100 is committed towards strengthening businesses and societies, and education certainly plays a key role. The program had parallel sessions engaging subject experts and industry leaders focusing upon Higher Education, School Education, and Skill Development. The program has served as a great platform for discussion on significant topics: Implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Redefining Learning and Teaching Deliveries, The rising cost of Higher Education.
On the occasion of the EduMeet, ASSOCHAM conferred The Education Excellence Awards to acknowledge and honor the industry leaders and their substantial contribution towards the industry.