Bhubaneswar: Dr AchyutaSamanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Odisha Edumeets and Excellence Awards 2024.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) successfully organised the Odisha Edumeets and Excellence Awards 2024 at a grand event held in Bhubaneswar.
The program highlighted the significance of education and innovation in driving Odisha’s development and
honoured achievers across the education sector.
Addressing the inaugural session of Odisha EduMeet 2024 and Excellence Awards, Shri Nityananda Gond, Minister of School and Mass Education, Government of Odisha, emphasized the state’s commitment to education as the cornerstone of societal transformation.
Highlighting the role of educational institutes in creating quality manpower, he stated that the Odisha Government has decided to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state by 2025 and is fully prepared for it. We have formed six sub-committees and various works are under process which require time to complete. We are working to make Odisha a leading state in education.
He lauded ASSOCHAM for fostering collaboration between academia and industry and highlighted Odisha’s strides in expanding access to quality education, particularly in remote areas. Shri Gond further highlighted Odisha’s emerging role as a hub for skill development and innovation, driven by technology-driven learning and vocational training programs.
Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director-East and North East, Assocham noted that ‘as many industries are coming to Odisha, they need industry ready manpower. In this regard, we are trying to incorporate the necessary elements into the task force formed to implement NEP 2020 in Odisha. We are seeking valuable inputs and suggestions from higher education institutes of the state.”
Shri Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, Director, Higher Education Department, Govt of Odisha stated that As we are working to achieve Vikshit Odisha and Vikshit Bharat targets by 2036 and 2047 respectively, our higher education department is also working to make at least 5 educational institutes of our state among
the Top 100 institutes and 5 institutes of our country among the Top 100 globally.”
Er. Alexzander Das Chairman, of the Kalinga Group of Institutes, highlights the importance of skill development and the role of educational institutions in transforming the skill landscape of the state. He shared his unwavering
commitment to skill development, industry-ready workforce and innovations for the state and sought
a collaborative approach from everyone to achieve the target.”
Several awards were conferred on this occasion, like Kalinga Group of Institutions-Best Group of Institutions for Holistic Development; Kalinga Academy of Civil Services (KACS)-Best Institute for Competitive Studies; CENTURION UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT-Best University in Rural Area; Makoons Group of Schools-Best Pre-School for Innovation Value-Based Education; Siksha O’ Anusandhan-Best Private University of the Year; Silicon University University for Promoting Industry-Academia Linkage; MGM School of Sports- Best Sports Academy; Birla Global University-Best Education Brand; ASMi Business School at Techno India University, West Bengal-Best Upcoming B School and Techno India Group Public School, Ariadaha-Best School for STEM Education.
Distinguished speakers, including Prof. Mrs Rajita Kulkarni, Co-Chairperson, National Education Council, ASSOCHAM; Mr Ramaprosad Ghosh, Executive Director of Digital Transformation – Higher Education, K12, EdTech, PwC; Prof Manoshi Roy Choudhury, Co-Chancellor, Techno India University and Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group and shared their perspectives during the occasion.
The event featured the release of a Knowledge Report, providing insights into the evolving landscape of education and its role in transforming Odisha’s future. The program also included a felicitation
ceremony and award distribution, recognising outstanding contributions to the field of education and
innovation.
A Leadership Session titled “Education 5.0 and Industry 5.0: Paving the Path to Future-Ready Skills and Innovation” and a panel discussion on “Odisha’s Vision for Education: Integrating NEP 2020 with Regional Strengths” were key highlights. These discussions brought together experts and thought leaders to explore strategies for making education in Odisha more inclusive, innovative, and aligned with emerging trends.
The Odisha Edumeets and Excellence Awards 2024 reiterated ASSOCHAM’s commitment to advancing
education and fostering excellence to shape a skilled and innovative workforce for the future.
