CEC Director Stresses Education's Pivotal Role in Achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision
In a significant address at a national seminar in Mysuru, Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC) director Parikshat Singh Manhas underscored the critical importance of education in realizing the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat-2047. Speaking on Monday, he emphasized that education must evolve dynamically to keep pace with a rapidly changing global landscape.
Adapting Education Through Technology and Innovation
Manhas highlighted the necessity for education to adapt through the strategic integration of technology, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning approaches. He made these remarks during the inauguration of a two-day national seminar titled 'Transforming Education for the Future: Intelligent, Inclusive & Immersive Learning'. The event was hosted at the B N Bahadur Institute of Management Sciences (BIMS) located in Manasagangotri.
The seminar was organized by CEC in collaboration with the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) and the University of Mysore. It brought together a diverse group of participants including academicians, policymakers, media professionals, faculty members, research scholars, and students from across India to deliberate on the evolving educational landscape in the context of emerging technologies.
Balancing Human Element with Artificial Intelligence
In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, Manhas stressed the indispensable value of the human element. He articulated that while technology offers transformative potential, its true worth is determined by the human intellect and creativity behind its application. "The value of technology fundamentally depends on the human mind that designs and utilizes it," he asserted, advocating for a balanced approach that leverages AI without diminishing human-centric values.
Five Core Values for Modern Learners
Manhas outlined five essential guiding values for learners to thrive in today's interconnected and technology-driven world:
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust to new challenges and environments.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles.
- Opportunities: Proactively seeking and creating new possibilities.
- Universalism: Embracing global perspectives and inclusivity.
He emphasized that these qualities are crucial for personal and professional success in a rapidly evolving society.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Addressing a persistent challenge, Manhas pointed to the existing gap between academic training and the practical needs of the industry. To mitigate this, he revealed that CEC has developed eight online degree programs and is actively working on additional offerings in social sciences and humanities. These initiatives aim to enhance employability and ensure that educational curricula remain relevant and responsive to market demands.
University Leadership Echoes Call for Educational Transformation
University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor N K Lokanath reinforced the seminar's theme by describing education as a powerful instrument for social transformation. He highlighted the timeliness of the discussion given the swift advancements in technology. Lokanath emphasized the importance of independent learning, effective mentorship, and the strategic use of AI and data analytics to improve both teaching methodologies and learning outcomes.
The collective insights from the seminar underscore a unified vision: education must be intelligently redesigned to be inclusive, immersive, and forward-looking, thereby playing a foundational role in shaping a developed India by 2047.
