Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for a transformative shift towards multi-disciplinarity in the renowned Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), aligning with the National Education Policy. The inauguration of the Odisha Research Centre marks a commitment to diverse research areas, aiming to shape Odisha’s future and safeguard its cultural heritage.
In a significant alignment with the National Education Policy of 2020, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach, emphasizing the need to expand beyond traditional specializations.
Pradhan’s directive aims to foster educational diversity and innovation within these prestigious institutions, setting the stage for a more comprehensive and dynamic academic landscape.
During the inauguration of the Odisha Research Centre (ORC), a collaborative initiative with prominent institutions, Pradhan emphasized the crucial role the center will play in exploring diverse research areas, including Odisha’s rich history, culture, economy, and societal aspects.
The establishment of the ORC is poised to be a pivotal force in shaping the educational trajectory, particularly as Odisha approaches its centenary celebrations in 2036 and India marks its 2047 independence centenary.
Addressing a distinguished gathering, including Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chhattisgarh counterpart Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, and other dignitaries, Pradhan underscored the necessity of implementing a multi-disciplinary education system in line with the National Education Policy of 2020. He emphasized the transformative approach required for IITs and IIMs.
ORC’s Research Agenda and Minister’s Vision
The ORC, inaugurated with ceremony, aims to conduct research across various fields, such as art, culture, archaeology, literature, sociology, political processes, agriculture, commerce, technology, healthcare, smart cities, climate change, and sustainable development. Minister Pradhan highlighted the center’s focus on critical areas, including semiconductors, rare earths, advanced minerals, and cutting-edge technologies.
Pradhan outlined the ORC’s long-term objectives, particularly its strategic role in formulating a comprehensive roadmap for Odisha’s development and the preservation of the Odia language. He stressed the significance of the ORC’s contributions, especially in the lead-up to Odisha’s centenary and India’s independence centenary.
Collaborative Establishment and Objective of ORC
Established in collaboration with eminent bodies such as the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar, the ORC aims to create innovative epistemological frameworks. These frameworks will enable a holistic exploration of Odisha’s multifaceted history, culture, economy, and societal fabric.
The primary objective of the ORC remains the development of groundbreaking methodologies to delve into the diverse dimensions of Odisha’s heritage, fostering innovation and academic excellence in sync with the National Education Policy’s multi-disciplinary approach.