CM inaugurates International Conference of Academic Institutions in Gandhinagar

CM inaugurates International Conference of Academic Institutions

in Gandhinagar

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Academicians of about 260 top universities and academic institutions are taking part

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145 international, 52 national and 67 institutes of Gujarat to deliberate on various aspects of knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial tie-ups

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CM suggests to set-up a global forum for the sharing of

higher education and partnership between the universities

across the world

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Higher education institutes of Gujarat, stat Govt. and international universities signed MOUs for knowledge sharing

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Gandhinagar, Thursday: Inaugurating an International Conference of Academic Institutions (ICAI) today at Gandhinagar the Chief Minister Narendra Modi suggested to set-up a global forum for the sharing of higher education and partnership between the universities across the world. "By organizing the international conference in the state, Gujarat has created an opportunity for such exchange of knowledge", he said.

The international conference has begun today at Pandit Dindayal Petroleum University Campus as a part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit- 2013.  Academicians of about 260 top universities and academic institutions, including 145 international, 52 national and 67 institutes of Gujarat are taking part to deliberate on various aspects of knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial tie-ups. Experts of academic field, who came to take part in the conference, lauded Gujarat's initiative of organizing this conference.

Higher education institutes of Gujarat, state Government and international universities signed MOUs for knowledge sharing in the presence of the Chief Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that even as the world is witnessing new horizons in the field of research and academics, the knowledge will play pivotal role in human resource development.

He said that there is a need to turn 'information age' into knowledge society and to bring about qualitative change in the lives of every individual of the society. "That is the reason why 'knowledge' is the central theme of this year's Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit", he said.

He expressed happiness that Gujarat has become a part and partner of global knowledge community. India had long ago established its supremacy as a cultured and knowledge-based society 2500 years back. Indian universities like Nalanda, Takshshila and Gujarat's Valabhi Vidyapith had covered all the areas pertaining to knowledge and science. People from all over the world used to come to India for quenching their thirst of knowledge. "With such heritage, India is in a better position to contribute greatly through best practices and excellence in innovation besides research in knowledge sector", he added.

Gujarat has set up educational innovation commission to provide judicial umbrella to the academic field. Besides, the state has set up i-CREAT incubation centre to provide support to young entrepreneurs and to promote research and innovations, said the Chief Minister. He also gave highlights of the state government's programmes such as SCOPE, EMPOWER and the state's efforts for imparting soft skills and IT skills to the youths.

Terming the world as a 'global village' of knowledge and technological development, he exuded faith that such international conferences will provide a platform to the experts of academic field and will create a 'bank of knowledge capital' for sharing of knowledge.

Mr. Modi expressed his resolve to make every individual of the society a 'knowledge creator'. "This conference will be instrumental in preparing a road map for turning this dream into reality", he hoped.

In his welcome address Principal Secretary (Higher Education) Mr. Hasmukh Adhia gave details about the conference. "Even as Gujarat is on the forefront of all-round development, this conference will prove to be a spring board", he said. 

Ms. Judith Wolfson of the University of Toronto extended her best wishes for the conference and said that such events create forums for discussion and best practices.

Renowned industrialist and chairmen of Arvind Ltd. Mr. Sanjay Lalbhai said this conference is first of its kind in the country. He congratulated Mr. Modi and his team for the state's remarkable development in every sector, be it agriculture, industry or services. He lauded the Government for envisaging a future based on knowledge.

Mr. Toby Linden of the World Bank said that it is a privilege for the World Bank to participate in this event.

Mr. Vineet Mittal of Welspun congratulated Mr. Modi for his record victory in the Gujarat Elections and expressed happiness for his company's long term ties with Gujarat. Mr. Rajiv Modi of Cadila Pharmaceuticals said that Gujarat has made remarkable development under the leadership of Mr. Modi. Ms. Samantha Harvey from the British Council also spoke on the occasion.

Cabinet Ministers Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Saurabh Patel, Minister of State Mrs. Vasuben Trivedi, Minister of MP Government Paras Jain, Chief Secretary AK Joti, Principal Secretary to Industries Maheshwar Sahu and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.