Raw Ink January 2014 | Page 56

‘NATIONAL EDUCATION SUMMIT’ – Vibrant Gujarat 2014 The commencement: The 10th and 11th of January 2014 were indeed marvelous for thousands of academicians, researchers, and teachers across the country. Shree L. R. Tiwari College of Engineering was graciously invited to the National Education Summit held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. Three staff members and five students from each branch of engineering were selected as representatives and we felt blessed to witness this grand event. The pre-event arrangements and constant coordination at the organizers’ end gave us a glimpse into the perfectly planned and meticulously managed trip ahead. The welcome at Ahmedabad railway station and the vehicle drop to Preksha Dhyaan Academy on 9th of January was pleasant indeed. The most surprising fact was the organizers’ efforts to reimburse our travel expenses as soon as we arrived at the venue of accommodation. From then on our stay was filled with delicious Gujarati food and hospitable services. Day ONE – 10th January 2014: A distant view of the majestic structure of Mahatma Mandir left us enthralled. Amidst thousands of delegates from all over the globe, in the vast expanse of the Conference Hall, we felt proud - simply to be a part of this historical phenomenon! The Inaugural Plenary began at 10.00 am, as scheduled, with the arrival of Narendra Modi and a huge team of entrepreneurs and academia from renowned Universities. The initiative itself was an eye opener, as Narendra Modi firmly pronounced his vision and outlook towards education in India today. He revealed that “a well-educated society is never a burden to the nation, instead it is an asset”. He also humorously stated that “every Indian student is handed over the same Character Certificate when he leaves school”. How meaningless to have such rituals! “Why not issue an aptitude certificate that will define the uniqueness of an individual and motivate him to continue education life long?” Eminent speakers and philanthropists such as Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Charles F Zukoski - Vice President Academic Affairs, University of Buffalo, RajanWelukar – Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai and many more emphasized the need for restructuring the education pattern and highlighted the importance of research and vocational training in our country. Some important Technical sessions: (held between 2.00 and 6.00 pm)  Reinventing Higher Education  Education: Past, Present and Promise  Engineering Education for Transforming India  Innovative Management Education Day TWO – 11th January 2014: An important session apart from the continuation of the previous day’s sessions was: ‘Reinventing Higher Education: Way Ahead’. The Summit was indeed a melting pot of concepts, opinions, brainstorming and conclusions. It is evident that we all returned with a revived consciousness and a resolution to contribute maximum efforts towards changing the face of education. The youth of India are entitled to the best career opportunities and it is our responsibility to pave the way for a technically advanced and well educated fut