Education Minister of India Dr Pokhriyal addressed International Conference at LPU comprising Management of top Global Universities

Jalandhar:  Education Minister of India Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addressed International Conference virtually at Lovely Professional University (LPU), today, comprising management of top global Universities. Occasion was one-day long virtual ‘Conference on International Higher Education Opportunities in the Post- COVID World’ organized by LPU at its campus. Hon'ble Minister of Education, Government of India, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank graced the event as Chief Guest of the conference.

During the conference, 12 senior academicians of the ranks of Pro Vice-Chancellors, Vice-Rectors, Directors and more from the Universities of top countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Cyprus participated as the panellists. Senior management from top 9 Universities of the world including University of Pennsylvania (USA), Nottingham Trent University (UK), University of Newcastle and Curtin University (Australia), Lake head University (Canada), and AusTrade and more attended the conference for stimulating discussions.

Greeting all elite academicians at the conference and wishing them for meaningful dialogues; Mr Minister shared: “I am very happy that LPU has organized this dialogue with the senior policymakers of the world, and has been doing so much work in the internationalization of education. In fact, internationalization is a very important element in the growth and development of a University and its contribution to the country. I can see LPU as one of the foremost Universities, which have embraced Internationalization in letter and spirit.”

Talking about New Education Policy of India (NEP-2020), Dr Nishank shared: “India has updated its New Education Policy for 33 Crore Indian students, studying in 1,000 universities and 45,000 degree colleges- their aspirations are reflected in this NEP. This policy has been made in consultation with all the stakeholders ranging from students, teachers, scientists, NGOs. It is the biggest innovation, where participation is from everyone. It is the policy of the country for the country, by the country and of the country and we are the harbingers of the good and excellent future for every student of the country. We believe in the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), that’s why we worry about the entire world.”

Dr Nishank added: “Today Internationalisation is a very big thing, and the NEP has made it possible for the Universities from across the world to open campuses in India. I invite you all to make campuses in India, and work on more joint research projects with Indian Universities.”

Continuing Dr Pokhriyal shared: “This conference comes at an opportune time, especially so, when the International borders are closed. LPU as an International University has again taken a leadership position and brought together some great leaders from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia and Canada to take a deep dive into the challenges that COVID posed and the opportunities it has provided.”

Prior to this, Dr Nishank acknowledged LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal for establishing internationally focused single-campus largest university of the country. Appreciating all endeavours at LPU, he specially mentioned- “when the whole world is combating the epidemic, LPU has kept a focus on education & society, and has contributed significantly in such an unprecedented pandemic time.”

Illustrative, a forerunner in the field of literature, education and politics; Dr Nishank is keen to reform India into a global knowledge superpower. In addition to many national and international accolades and awards already achieved; Dr Nishank has also been awarded by Cambridge University, UK, for his services in the field of education through the New Education Policy-NEP 2020.

While commencing the conference, LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal greeted the Chief Guest Dr Pokhriyal and welcomed all delegates and participants from across the world. Mr Mittal mentioned the pandemic as a ‘truly global crisis’; however, during this ‘ONLINE’ education has been promoted at large. In synchronisation with New Education Policy-2020, LPU focuses on online and the regular teaching modes by encouraging innovations in the teaching-learning process and proving instrumental in extending the reach of quality higher education to all learners. Mr Mittal also shared: “We were possibly the first university to go online in the country. On the very third day after the lockdown was imposed, we were completely online.”

Important dialogues among the panellists, moderators and audience were held on combating the pandemic crisis; envisioning new higher education models; accepting vaccines; and, to live together afresh and stably in the post-COVID world. Important panel discussions covered “Reflections on lessons learned in the International Higher Education World during the COVID-I9 pandemic” and “Has higher education finally understood the untapped potential of the internet?” In this regard, agendas included “What were the biggest setbacks of the COVID-19 in the International Higher Education: Student Mobility; Online Learning; or, Enrolment Challenges”, and “New Hybrid models of the future”.

Panellists were Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Leigh Robinson of Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK; Director, English Language Programs, Jack Sullivan from University of Pennsylvania, USA; Deputy Vice-chancellor, Global Engagement & Partnership, Dr Tony Travaglione from University of Newcastle, Australia; Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Professor Cillian Ryan from Nottingham Trent University, UK; Provost, Dr Sue Zimmerman from State University of New York, USA; Associate Vice President International & Chief Executive Officer Global Operations, Ms Baihua Chadwick from Thompson Rivers University, Canada; Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Dr Stacey Farraway from La Trobe University, Australia; Pro Vice-Chancellor  Prof Lawrence Pratchett from University of Canberra, Australia; Director Neha Grover of Austrade; Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Seth Kunin from Curtin university, Australia; Vice Provost: International James Aldridge from Lakehead University, Canada; Vice Rector of Academic Affairs Prof. Loizos  Symeou from European university-Cyprus, and other international and national participants./(April 16, 2021)