Media Release
Udupi, Jan 16: The Academy of General Education (AGE) held its first convention on January 15 to enhance the research capabilities of the colleges, as part of their commitment to enhance quality education and research at their institutions. This convention will focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by the college teachers to effectively implement National Education Policy 2020 (NEP – 2020), especially enhancing research capabilities.
While inaugurating the convention, Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the president of AGE said, “The fourth year of the undergraduate programme (honours programme) includes a year of research and skill development. Colleges need to adapt quickly to this new requirement. I hope this convention will be useful to the AGE college teachers with respect to understanding NEP 2020 requirements and how to enhance research and innovation capabilities at college level by leveraging MAHE’s well developed ecosystem”.
Dr Ranjan R Pai, registrar of AGE and president of MAHE Trust as well as chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) was the chief guest of the function. He wished the convention all the success and handed over mementos to the resource persons.
Dr Karunakar Kotegar talked about the National Education Policy (NEP) – 2020; India’s first and most comprehensive education policy of the 21st century, its challenges and opportunities for college teachers. Dr Raviraja N S and Dr Y Shrihari Upadhyaya gave an informative talks on research/innovation and entrepreneurship which will help in developing research ecosystem at the college level. Dr Vasudha Devi talked about the various PhD opportunities at MAHE and how it enables the researchers to develop the competency of conducting research individually or in collaboration with others. Dr Annapoorna K gave a detailed talk on stress management and how it helps to lead a happy and peaceful life in spite of having a hectic work schedule.
Dr Vidya Saraswathi M introduced about the REPEN project by the Eco Club, MCODS, Manipal which focuses on discouraging single use pens and encouraging reusable pens. Nityanand Nayak talked about the Manipal Marathon which will be held in association with Rotary Club Manipal Town on February 12. The fifth edition of the Manipal Marathon aims to create awareness on Childhood Cancer and funds will be raised to support and care for people requiring financial assistance for the treatment of childhood cancer.
Praveena Kumari rendered an invocation, Dr Raviraja N S welcomed the gathering. The concluding remarks were delivered and vote of thanks was proposed by AGE secretary Varadaraya Pai. Hilda Cornelio anchored the programme. About 250 college teachers participated from various AGE colleges and benefited from the programme.