‘‘You must give chances for students to explore new environments,’’ said Mr Dilip Gupta, MD of Sagarmala Development Company Ltd., while appreciating SRM University-AP for courageously taking the initiative to revamp the curricula to meet next-generation learning standards. He was one of the Guests of Honour at the Industry-Academia Dialogue held at the varsity with the objective of Revamping Curricula for Achieving Academic Excellence.
The conclave considered the guidelines the National Education Policy (NEP) set forth and discussed the need to revamp the curricula to adapt the varsity’s educational programmes accordingly. Mr Gupta elaborated on why the curriculum of educational institutions should be crafted with windows for students to explore themselves and newer arenas of knowledge. He implored the Vice Chancellor and the varsity faculty to pose a new challenge for the students every day.
Mr V Vinod Kumar, IAS, MD, Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSDC), was the other Guest of Honour at the event. He lauded the impact of a well-crafted and executed curriculum in escalating the employment rate of society while generating skilled professionals. ‘‘You need to impart skill to students while they are at the educational set-up. Polish them inside the educational institution. It is a herculean task, but I’m sure we are on the right path,’’ added Mr Vinod.
Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora lightened the lamp with the Guests of Honour and began the conclave. Prof. Arora presented the university-level curriculum framework in front of the esteemed delegates and the university faculty, while deans of the three varsity schools presented the school’s overviews, achievements, and aspirations. Dr R Premkumar, Registrar and Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean-Academic Affairs and Controller of Examination, graced the occasion with their valuable presence. More than 50 professionals from the industry and leading practitioners from the social sector participated in the dialogue to address the foreseen challenges in higher education and recalibrate the curriculum of the varsity.
Through multiple sessions, the all-day-long dialogue considered the imperative to cultivate and enhance high levels of technological and social skills within the digital era’s present and future workforce. A joint panel discussion on 21st-century skills and Interdisciplinary learning with representatives from Academia and Industries; and a brainstorming session on exploring ways for continuous industry engagement with academia were also held as part of the conclave. The distinguished delegates visited the research centres and facilities at SRM University-AP once the event was over.
