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Bhubaneswar (Orissa) : The Task force on Higher Education under the aegis of the Dept of Higher Education, Govt. Of Orissa had a consultative interactive session with Dr. Sam Pitroda, advisor to Prime Minister, in Bhubaneswar today.
Orissa has, historically been host to many centres of educational excellence and hence, we should plan big to make the existing scenario better. Dr. Dhanadakanta Mishra and Prof. Chtta Baral then presented the procesess of the Task Force and highlighted the major recommendations that have emerged from several rounds of consultations with various stakeholders.
Dr. Pitroda expressed his appreciation and was particularly happy to note the activities of the task force in Orissa. He emphasized that building infrastructure for knowledge is the very first step to have an inclusive growth.
Speaking on the report of the Knowledge Commission of which Dr Pitroda was the chairman, he highlighted five aspects of knowledge: access, knowledge concepts (vocational, primary, second, training, etc), knowledge creation (innovation, research, etc) application of knowledge and use of knowledge in (e-) governance.
Dr Pitroda, who was born in Titlagarh was keen to see Orissa becoming example for others in the area of Higher Education.
He suggested for the state and for the Task Force in particular, certain priority areas- disparity, demography and new Methods of Learning- to focus on. He also indicated that going back to our very own Indian system of guru- who just sits there and they learn- to paint a better picture of education scene in the state.
Dr. Pitroda called for a radical approach and out-of-the-box thinking to turn things around and suggested the dignitaries present to begin to question the existing paradigm. Among other suggestions for the state, notable ones are: focus on vocational education, convergence of research and teaching, encouraging Public-private partnership, use of technology, allowing more autonomy/flexibility/ freedom to all vice chancellors.
Dr Pitroda also took note of the political will and initiatives from the state government to boost higher education in Orissa.
The interactive session witnessed vibrant participation. Among the participants were, Smt. Vandana Kumari Jena, Principal Secretary, Department of School and Mass Education; M.S. Padhi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Dept. of Higher Education,Sri Saurabh Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Industries Department; eminent academicians and Members of the Task Force.
