‘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