Hon Shri Kapil Sibal inaugurates the Indo-US Summit on Higher Education organised by Indo-American Society (IAS) in Mumbai

Updated on: Monday, August 02, 2010

The Indo-American Society (IAS), promoting Indo-US Educational, Cultural and Economic Cooperation inaugurated the Indo-US Summit on Higher Education on July 31, in Mumbai, as part of its 50 years celebration of cross culture unity. The Summit was inaugurated by the chief guest, Honourable Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource and Development for Government of India.

The overall objective of this Summit is to impact change in current education paradigm by increasing access and enhancing quality of Indo-US higher education in the global economy. The event brought together American and Indian Universities and is expected to contribute in a big way to strengthen co-operation between India and United States in the field of education.

The occasion was also graced by Dr V Rangaraj, President Indo-American Society, Dr (Mrs) Indu Shahani, Honorable Sheriff of Mumbai and Principal of H R College of Commerce and Convenor for the Summit, Dr. Vijay Khole, Chairman Summit Task Force and Former Vice Chancellor, Mumbai University, H E Paul A Folmsbee, US Consul General, Mr Richard M Rothman, Commercial Consul Consulate General of the United State of America, Mumbai, India.

The Summit attracted about 500 Indian and international delegates which included universities vice-chancellors, deans, principals, researchers, professors, students, faculties, chairman, policy makers, state and central government and directors.

The opening welcome remark was provided by Dr V Rangaraj, President, IAS and vision for the summit was provided by Dr (Mrs) Indu Shahani, She said, "In recognition of the changing face of modern higher education and to address the challenges faced by educationists, institutions and governments alike, the IAS aims to bring together individuals committed to taking education to its highest pinnacle."

Honorable Shri Kapil Sibal, in his speech said, "My vision is of a nation where every child has the opportunity to go to school, where every student who aspires to pursue higher studies can access quality higher education irrespective of his or her paying capacity, where illiteracy, whether digital or functional, is no longer a barrier to progress. This vision needs to be translated into reality through reform of the governance structures, through development of education infrastructure, through strategic action on programmes all enveloped in an environment where the freedom of choice and thought permeate the education system. We need to unleash the creative potential of our youth and harness their energies towards development and progress and education at all levels and in all forms is the medium. We will confront various challenges along the path but the call of society is loud and clear: that in the movement towards translation of the vision we will meet squarely the challenges that confront
us."

A white paper on the subject of "Higher Education" prepared by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Knowledge partner for the summit, was released by the chief guest, at the inauguration.

The impact of the summit will extend long after its two days of stimulation sessions. There will be collaborations between educational institution, exchange programmes involving students, faculty and researchers from both countries. There are also unlimited opportunities especially for B2B meetings.

Hon Shri Kapil Sibal inaugurates the Indo-US Summit on Higher Education organised by Indo-American Society (IAS) in Mumbai

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