EDGE 2010 concluded with a resounding success which drew about 350 leading educators, policy-makers, administrators and media proving that the will within the education fraternity to transform is becoming stronger.
Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister for Human Research Development, GOI who has taken up the challenging task of changing the education sector through various reforms has inspired both the public and private institutions. Shri Sibal was the Chief Guest at the EDGE 2010 Inaugural Function, he stressed on the need for giving freedom to the institutions. Shri Sibal felt that India is well placed to meet the global demand for qualified human resource and especially in high tech sectors and it will augur well if the global community partners with Indian Education Sector. He was confident that the seeds for changes in higher education sector will be sown at EDGE.
This 3rd edition of the EDGE Inaugural Function was graced by dignitaries; Dr. Martha Kanter, Under Secretary, US Department of Education, Dr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. V.S. Ramamurthy, Director NIAS, Prof. V.N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, and Mr. Anand Sudarshan, MD & CEO, Manipal Education.
Dr. Martha Kanter in her address stressed the need for US & India, two largest democracies in the world to take up the onus of educating maximum number of people.
Infact EDGE in its 3rd year has proved that it is the flagship higher education Forum in India with an international focus and approach.. There was strong involvement of international organisations like Institute of International Education (IIE), The College Board and Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) who have conducted sessions and workshops at the event to promote partnerships with Indian Universities. A large delegation of University Presidents from USA led by IIE is visiting India with a mission to explore partnerships and collaborations with their Indian counterparts. It is likely that many more representations of the different counties will participate in the coming years to strengthen collaborations with India. This has been an encouraging beginning!
'EDGE Personality of the Year’ award was conferred on Prof. Yash Pal, an accomplished scientist and the architect of the Report of “The Committee to advice on renovation and rejuvenation of Higher Education” which has emerged as a reference for the Government to formulate education policies. Prof Yash Pal also delivered a ‘Vision Talk’ in the context of the present education scenario and future directions in an interesting and engaging talk. He emphasized the fact that it is important to encourage students to think independently and challenged the educators and administrators to reward ‘unreasonable’ men / women.
The second award Young EDGE Award 2010 was presented to Shri Achyuta Samanta, Founder KIIT University and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences for his commitment to inclusive growth in the field of education. It is commendable that through his efforts very high standards of education is imparted exclusively to tribal children in one of the educationally deprived regions of India.
EDGE 2010 Conference focuses on ‘Catalysing Change’ to stress the need of transforming the education sector for expansion, inclusion and excellence. The Conference witnessed stellar speakers from diverse sectors including Dr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. William G. Harris, CEO, The Association of Test Publishers, USA, Prof. Madhava Menon, Member, Commission on Center-State Relations, Government of India, Mr. Rob Lytle, Partner, The Parthenon Group, Dr. Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education, Prof. N. Ravichandran, Director IIM Indore, India among other prominent speakers.
EDGE 2010 proved to be a platform which brought together Industry – Academia on one platform. The speakers and delegates engaged in lively discussions to collectively work towards creating talented workforce for India.
The unique aspect of the Conference was to address emerging topics for higher education focusing on Vocational Education, ICT Empowering Education, Online Education, Edupartnering - International Education, Quality Improvement Initiatives in Engineering Education etc.
Exclusive Research Reports on diverse, current and important topics for education sector was released during the event.
Edupartnering triggered the first of its kind interaction between Indian-International institutions and Industry-Academia. |
EDGE Education Personality of the Year Award:
Prof. Yash Pal, Chancellor, Jawaharlal, Nehru University
Young EDGE Award:
Shri Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT University and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences
Padma Awardees:
Prof. Bipan Chandra, Chairman, National Book Trust
Shri G. P. Chopra, President, DAV College Managing Committee
Fr. Romuald D'Souza, Vice President, Marian Institute of Health Sector Management |
