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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
RSS chief to attend four-day education summit in Kerala; focus on NEP rollout and Indian knowledge systems
NEW DELHI: A four-day education summit will be held in Kalady, Kerala, from July 25 to 28 to chart a roadmap for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and strengthening traditional knowledge systems. Organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, an RSS linked body working to 'revive Indian ethos in education,' the Gyan Sabha will bring together around 300 selected educationists from across India, along with senior officials and spiritual organisations. Vice-chancellors of universities, directors of central institutions, AICTE chairperson T G Sitharam, UGC vice-chairperson, and the director of NAAC are expected to attend, alongside government representatives. 'Education ministers from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed their participation. We are not inviting all ministers or vice-chancellors, but a select group of key stakeholders who can contribute meaningfully to this deliberation,' Atul Kothari, national secretary of the Nyas, said in a statement. A parallel programme will focus on Kerala's education sector, with 1,000 participants, including 200 selected educationists from the state and Governor Rajendra Arlekar, a press statement informed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo 'Since this is the first time such a large event is being held in Kerala, we wanted local educators and eminent citizens to benefit from it as well. Our goal is to bring together all those working in education—institutions, organisations, and individuals—on a common platform to develop a collective blueprint for reform,' Kothari said. The RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, will attend the summit and deliver a lecture on July 27 on 'Indianness in Education' at a public event. On the final day, July 28, he will address a national brainstorming session titled 'Gyan Sabha: Viksit Bharat Hetu Shiksha'. Kothari said Bhagwat's presence underlines 'the Sangh's growing engagement with educational reform as part of its larger cultural and social agenda.' The Nyas has previously organised initiatives like Gyan Kumbh and Gyan Mahakumbh to promote Indian knowledge traditions, languages, mathematics, skill development, and character building. 'As Dr D S Kothari said decades ago, education is the most powerful instrument of national transformation. Our challenge is to combine India's heritage with contemporary needs,' Kothari added. While supporters view this as a necessary corrective to colonial-era systems, critics have accused the RSS of seeking to saffronise education. The summit comes amid heightened debate over curriculum reforms and the NEP's rollout across states.
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
AICTE hosts webinar to promote 'Yoga Sangam 2025' on International Day of Yoga
New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) convened a national-level webinar to enhance awareness among AICTE-approved institutions, faculty, and students regarding the forthcoming Yoga Sangam 2025. This event is scheduled for June 21, coinciding with the International Day of Yoga (IDY). According to the release, the webinar aimed to mobilise widespread participation in the Yoga Sangam initiative, encouraging educational institutions nationwide to actively engage in this national celebration of yoga. As per the release, the event was graced by AICTE Chairman Prof TG Sitharam, who emphasised the transformative power of yoga and its growing relevance in today's world. 'Yoga is one of the greatest civilizational gifts India has offered to the world,' said Prof Sitharam. He further added, 'What began as a personal practice for inner peace and physical discipline has now evolved into a global movement for holistic health, sustainability, and shared human values.' He highlighted that this year's IDY theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' reflects the interconnectedness of human well-being and planetary health. 'In today's times marked by climate change, natural disasters, rising stress levels, socio-economic challenges, and conflicts, yoga offers not just a routine, but a resilient path toward harmony, balance, and mental well-being,' he said. Prof Sitharam urged all AICTE-approved institutions to register on the Yoga Sangam portal and ensure large-scale faculty and students' participation. He reiterated that yoga should be embraced not just as a form of exercise, but as a core life skill contributing to a person's overall development and social responsibility. 'AICTE firmly believes in integrating physical, mental, and spiritual wellness into the educational experience,' the Chairman added. 'Just as we have included Universal Human Values (UHV) in our curriculum, promoting yoga further strengthens our commitment to holistic education.' The webinar also served as a clarion call for stakeholders in the technical education ecosystem, including administrators, educators, and student leaders, to champion yoga in their institutions. Prof Sitharam emphasised that widespread participation in Yoga Sangam 2025 will promote health and wellness and reinforce the values of unity and collective consciousness. The Yoga Sangam 2025 is expected to witness record participation from technical institutions across India, making it a landmark celebration of India's ancient tradition in the modern academic landscape. Institutions and individuals interested in participating are encouraged to register through the official Yoga Sangam portal, where they will find guidelines, activity modules, and resources to facilitate local celebrations on campus. (ANI)
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Business Standard
06-06-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
We'll integrate artificial intelligence in all branches: AICTE Chairperson
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) chairperson TG Sitharam on Friday said artificial intelligence (AI) will be integrated into all branches of technical education. While AICTE had introduced a BTech programme in AI and Data Science as early as 2017, the Council is now working to include AI in the model curriculums of all technical disciplines, including engineering, information technology, and management studies, Sitharam told PTI. "A committee of experts has been constituted to suggest necessary revisions in the model curriculums. This committee has already held three meetings. I expect the panel to submit its recommendations within the next month on how AI can be incorporated across all branches. Two months after that, we aim to finalise the updated model curriculums," he said. Based on these new model curriculums, AI-inclusive teaching could begin as early as next academic year, the official said. He also informed that AICTE has made around 1,000 textbooks available online in 12 Indian languages, which have been downloaded seven lakh times over the past two years. Currently, 54 technical institutions across the country are offering various courses in these 12 Indian languages, he said. Sitharam was in Indore to attend a meeting of Parliament's advisory committee, chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The meeting focused on promoting education in Indian languages in schools and higher education institutions.
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
JNTUH to award over 92K degrees, 74 gold medals
Hyderabad: The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) – Hyderabad will confer honorary doctorate to Professor TG Sitharam, Chairman All India Council for Technical Education, during its XIII convocation on Tuesday. During the ceremony, around 74 gold medals will be presented to meritorious students. A total of 92,118 degrees – 77,559 Undergraduate, 13,063 Postgraduate, 950 Doctor of Pharmacy, 305 Doctor of Philosophy and 241 other degrees will be presented to successful students during the event. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who is also JNTU-Hyderabad Chancellor, will take part in the convocation and Professor Sitharam will deliver the convocation address. 'According to JNTUH officials, the University is in the process of revising the course curriculum and the syllabi of all UG and PG programmes in the form of R25 regulations, which will be applicable from the academic year 2025-26,' Professor Reddy said, adding that the main objective of the syllabus revision is to prepare industry need based curriculum that will enhance employability skills, 'A total of 791 students of JNTU-Hyderabad University colleges/units have been placed during campus interviews for the academic year 2024-25.
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
To lead in fields from AI to quantum computing, more Indians need to opt for MTech and PhDs
Written by T G Sitharam The latest data on MTech enrollment in engineering paints a concerning picture: The numbers have hit a seven-year low. From an approved intake of 1.81 lakh in 2018–19, only about 1.3 lakh seats were offered in 2023–24, and less than 45,000 students enrolled. This means close to two-thirds of postgraduate (PG) engineering seats are lying vacant across the country. The trend is not merely statistical — it reflects a deeper malaise in the higher technical education ecosystem that policymakers, educators, and institutions must collectively address. But first let's understand why interest in MTech and PhD is declining. Today's graduates are in a race to secure jobs as early as possible. The growing demand in industry, coupled with attractive pay packages post-BTech, makes immediate employment a more compelling option than continuing for another two years in postgraduate education. Many bright students prefer pursuing Master's or research degrees abroad, drawn by advanced facilities, higher scholarships, global exposure, and better job prospects. A significant section of students and recruiters alike do not perceive MTech as significantly enhancing employability or skill sets unless it is from a premier institution. For students who do consider MTech, the financial pressure is real. The scholarship amount of Rs 12,400 per month, last revised in 2015, is no longer sufficient to cover even basic living expenses in cities. With inflation and rising costs, the scholarship is simply inadequate. For PhD aspirants, a vibrant research environment is crucial. Unfortunately, many institutions still lack high-end laboratories, mentorship, industry linkage, or cross-disciplinary opportunities, leading to academic inertia and disillusionment. Many MTech students traditionally aspired for faculty roles in engineering colleges. However, the expansion of engineering institutions has plateaued, and job security, pay parity, and career growth in academia are no longer as attractive as before. At the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), we are deeply conscious of these challenges and are actively working to implement both short-term incentives and long-term structural reforms to revive interest in MTech and PhD programs. We have formally proposed to the Ministry of Education to increase the monthly scholarship to Rs 18,600 for GATE-qualified postgraduate students. This revision is long overdue and aligns with the 50 per cent hike given in 2015 (from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,400). The aim is to make higher education more financially viable and reduce the opportunity cost for meritorious students. The AICTE has also recommended expanding the eligibility for PG scholarships to include students who may not have cleared GATE but have demonstrated academic excellence with a CGPA of 8.5 or above in their undergraduate programs from AICTE-approved institutions. This would widen access to scholarships and recognise multiple forms of merit. In a landmark step, the AICTE is planning to include PhD programmes under its purview. This would enable us to set minimum quality standards, ensure regular evaluation, encourage interdisciplinary and applied research, and introduce robust monitoring mechanisms. Through schemes like YASHASWI, we are continuously investing in upgrading laboratories, promoting innovation, and encouraging institutions to develop Centres of Excellence that attract both MTech and PhD aspirants. To bridge the gap between education and employability, the AICTE is working to embed industry collaboration in postgraduate programmes. Internships, live projects, industry mentorship, and co-designed curricula will help students see real-world relevance in deeper learning. Recognising that postgraduate education is a pipeline for future educators, the AICTE is revisiting pay structures, academic mobility schemes, and professional development opportunities to rejuvenate teaching as a desirable and fulfilling career path. India is at the cusp of technological transformation — from artificial intelligence to quantum computing, from green energy to smart infrastructure. To lead in these domains, we need a strong pool of advanced thinkers, innovators, and researchers — not just entry-level professionals. Encouraging students to pursue MTech and PhDs is no longer optional — it is imperative for building the intellectual and technological capital of the country. We must reshape perceptions. A postgraduate degree is not merely an academic credential — it is a gateway to depth, specialisation, innovation, and leadership. At the AICTE, we remain committed to making postgraduate and research education aspirational, affordable, and impactful. The writer is chairman, AICTE
