Guwahati, Mar 27: A faculty development programme was hosted by AIU-USTM Academic and Administrative Development Centre (AADC) from 18th to 23rd March last in an online mode focusing on the theme “Bridging Traditions: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into Higher Education Curriculum”.
Faculty members from diverse regions across India, including Indore, Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and various parts of Assam such as Dulijan, Silchar, Bongaigaon, Mangaldai, and Hajo, participated in the event, alongside faculty members from USTM.
The inaugural session was honored by the presence of esteemed individuals including Prof. Pralhad R. Joshi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University, Nalbari, Assam; Prof Neelima Gupta, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya Sagar, Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof G.D. Sharma; Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary-General AIU; Dr. Amarendra Pani, Joint Director & Head Research, Convener, AADC; and Prof. Amit Choudhury, Dean School of Technology and Management.
The program featured distinguished resource persons such as Prof. S. R. Joshi, Professor Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics at North Eastern Hill University. Shillong; Prof. Rani Sadasiva Murty, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Vedic Universit, Andhra Pradesh; Dr. Upinder Dhar, Vice Chancellor of Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore; Prof. Manabendra Dutta Choudhury, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar; Prof. Saroj Sharma, Chairperson, National Institute for Open Schooling, Noida and Prof. Ajay Singh Rathore, Vice Chancellor at Shyam University, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Their expertise enriched the discussions, providing insights into incorporating indigenous knowledge into higher education curricula.
Discussions during the program ranged from historical contexts to practical strategies for curriculum integration, addressing the importance of NEP 2020 and guidelines for incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education. Topics including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), ethics, and methods for promoting “Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat” were thoroughly explored.
The Valedictory programme on March 23rd featured a report by Dr. Monalisa B. Deka, followed by a valedictory address by Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das, Vice-Chancellor of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), who attended as the Chief Guest. Honorable Vice Chancellor USTM, Prof. G.D. Sharma, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Dr. Amarendra Pani, and Dr. R.K. Sharma addressed the participants. The event concluded with a collective commitment to collaborate in bridging traditions and creating a more inclusive future, aligning with the vision of “Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat”.