Shillong, July 25: The Indian Institute of Management, Shillong organised a press conference on Tuesday in the run up to the third anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 scheduled to be held end of July.
Representatives of NIT Meghalaya and North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) also participated in the press briefing on the implementation of NEP 2020. The Director of Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDE) also attended the briefing virtually.
During the media briefing, it was informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the second Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, which is coinciding with the third anniversary of NEP 2020, on July 29 at ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The two-day event is being organised by the Ministries of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. The prime minister will be launching various initiatives on the occasion. The Samagam will provide a platform for experts of schools, higher educational institutions, and skilling institutions to discuss, deliberate and share insights, strategies, success stories and best practices in implementing the NEP 2020.
Speaking about the implementation of NEP 2020, Secretary to the Board IIM Shillong, Prof. Rohit Joshi, Prof. Basav Roychoudhury and Sanjeev Ningombam, Coordinator CEDNER & Dr APJ Kalam Centre elaborated on the initiatives taken by IIM Shillong aligned with the NEP.
Interdisciplinary Research and Education: IIM Shillong believes in interdisciplinary management education which refers to an approach that integrates multiple academic disciplines and fields of study, fostering connections, collaboration, and the exploration of diverse perspectives and methodologies. As such, the institute aims to foster a vibrant academic environment where scholars can explore complex challenges from interdisciplinary perspectives, leading to holistic and comprehensive solutions that result in empowering scholars to collaborate across disciplines and make significant contributions to academia and society.
Flexible Curriculum: Students and Doctoral Scholars experience a unique and flexible academic journey. The institute’s curriculum grants students increased control and choice over their learning path. One distinctive aspect of the Doctoral Programme is the provision for working professionals to take a break of one year and rejoin the programme. This feature enables scholars to strike a balance between academic pursuits and professional commitments, fostering a conducive learning environment. Alongside domain-specific electives, the curriculum encompasses a wide spectrum of topics such as “Management Learning from Upanishads and Indian Mythology,” “Chanakya Arthashastra,” “Management, and Liberal Arts,” “Wisdom Leadership: East-West Perspectives and Practices,” and “Music, Aesthesis, and Communication for Excellence,” among others
Focus on Critical Thinking and Problem: Solving through community immersion: The community immersion module of IIM Shillong refers to an experiential learning approach that involves actively engaging with and immersing students within a specific community or social context. This goes beyond traditional classroom settings, allowing individuals to directly interact, observe, and participate in the daily lives, practices, and challenges of the community.
Online programmes and Technology Integration: In line with the mandate of NEP, where institutions should serve towards learning and education of each individual, IIM Shillong’s online executive MBA programme is a specialised educational offering designed for working professionals that provides them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities in a flexible and convenient online learning environment.
Promoting Regional Research and Innovation: Dedicated centers like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre For Policy Research and Analysis, Centre of Development of North East Region (CeDNER) are fostering a research-oriented culture within the institution, encouraging faculty and students to engage in research projects, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities with the North East.
Inclusive Education: Ensuring access to quality education for all, including students from marginalised communities, through need-based financial assistance of Rs 1 crore. IIM Shillong supports students so that no one should be deprived of education.
Professional Development of Faculty: The NEP provides a framework and guidance that empowers faculty members to enhance their professional development, improve their teaching practices, engage in research, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the overall quality of education in the country.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
The NEP recognises the crucial role of industry-academia collaboration in driving educational excellence and preparing students for the demands of the professional world. IIM Shillong undertakes several initiatives to foster industry-academia collaboration for example industry visits, guest lectures, and seminars where industry experts interact with students and faculty, sharing their insights and experiences.
The five NEP 2020 pillars, Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability, were discussed. IIM Shillong has signed agreements with the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati, the Mizoram Youth Commission, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur University as part of the NEP’s mandate for cooperation and the development of synergies between institutions within NER. Young people in the North East are being encouraged by IIM Shillong to pursue careers, businesses, and other ventures. At various colleges, IIM Shillong will offer career counselling, entrepreneurship mentoring, and CAT preparation. One essential element for realising the vision of NEP is institutional building and leadership. IIM Shillong will offer direction and support in implementing successful strategies and programmes to help colleges and academic institutions achieve this vision.
The NEP has provided a transformative vision for education in India, and its influence is felt in institutions like IIM Shillong.
S Mathivanan Regional Director RDSDE briefed about the initiatives undertaken by Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in line with National Education Policy while Prof Ghanashyam Bez from NEHU elaborated the efforts of the University for realising the benefits of NEP in the state so far. Prof Harish Chandra Das of NIT Meghalaya virtually attended the briefing along with Ajaypal Singh Somvanshi, Principal of National Skill Training Institute, Tura.
About Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam ( July 29–30)
Taking into consideration the fact that India aims to become a 5 trillion economy in the period of Amrit Kaal, all sectors of the economy have to be bolstered and strengthened by supply of knowledge-oriented leadership and skilled workforce. NEP 2020 paves the way for developing and grooming the youth for such a responsibility, preparing them for emerging job roles of the future. The policy emphasizes developing the foundational and higher cognitive capacities of each individual such as critical thinking and problem solving. .The event will include sixteen sessions spread over 2 days. Discussions will be held on Access to Quality Education and Governance, Equitable and Inclusive Education, issues of socio-economic disadvantaged group (SEDG), National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF), Indian knowledge System, Creating Synergy between education and Skilling Future of Work, Internationalisation of Education, among others.
The sessions will be attended by around 3000 participants which will include, Principal Secretaries of Education / Skill Department of States / UTs, Directors of IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, IISC, Vice-chancellors of Central, State and Private Universities, Heads of other HEIs, faculties, Principals / Teachers / Students of Schools, ITIs, Heads / representatives of Regulatory Bodies like NCERT, CBSE, UGC, AICTE, NCTE, NCVET, SSCs, NSDC, Heads / representatives of CII, FICCI, NASSCOM, ASSHOCHAM etc.
Another attractive element of the celebrations is a multimedia exhibition showcasing the best initiatives from the world of school and higher education and the skill ecosystem. Two hundred multimedia stalls will be set up by institutions and organisation under education and skill landscape, industry, and key stakeholders. Over 2 lakh attendees would be visiting the exhibition over the two days, including students, youth volunteers and participants of Yuva Sangam.
The two-day programme will end with a valedictory session. The event will also be graced by Union Minister for Education and, Ministers of State for Education, along with Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy,i K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, heads of the autonomous bodies, and officials of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
