New Delhi: The 7th Industry-Academia Annual Conclave 2024 was successfully held at the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi by the Federation for World Academics (FWA) in collaboration with Education Post News (EPN). The theme for this year, “Employment & Employability: Ascending the Curve,” was on tackling important issues and coming up with creative ways to improve employability in India. More than 200 prominent figures from the domains of education, business, and entrepreneurship attended the event. As a media partner, the show AAP Ki Baat, which is produced by Abhilasha Productions and shown on DD National, was present at the event.
Prominent Chief Guest Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and Chairman of the NBA and NAAC, officially opened the conclave. He gave a thought-provoking keynote address about utilizing India’s current and future demographic dividend. Prof. Sahasrabudhe urged stakeholders to coordinate efforts in order to develop a competent workforce, pointing out that India’s large youth population offers an unmatched opportunity to accelerate growth and employability.
Several notable personalities also attended the event, including Prof. Col. S.S. Sarangdevot, Vice Chancellor of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur; Dr. Irfan A. Rizvi, President of FWA; Dr. B.S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu; and Prof. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur. Together, they emphasized how crucial it is for industry and academia to work together to address the changing demands of India’s labor force.
FWA President Dr. Irfan A. Rizvi highlighted the Conclave’s importance as a forum for information sharing. “With more than 200 participants from various backgrounds, this Conclave offers a special chance for networking and promotes cooperation between academic leaders, business professionals, and creative entrepreneurs. Additionally, it gives 50 companies a platform to showcase innovative concepts that will influence industry and employment in the future,” Dr. Rizvi said.
IIM Jammu Director Dr. B.S. Sahay discussed the significance of a strategic roadmap in achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 objective. He discussed India’s history as a “Vishwaguru” and restated that creativity and research are crucial to the nation’s development. The young people were moved by his speech and were motivated to actively support India’s transition to a developed country.
Prof. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, shared insights on the shifting skill landscape in India. He discussed the challenges and opportunities arising from the fast-changing industry demands and how academia must evolve to produce job-ready graduates who are aligned with industry needs.
Prof. Col. S.S. Sarangdevot, Vice Chancellor of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur, spoke about the current trends in employment and employability in India. He provided a comprehensive overview of how global and local trends are reshaping the job market, stressing the importance of preparing the workforce for future challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the 20 panel discussions, which addressed a wide array of critical issues. The panels delved into topics such as the impact of technological advancements on employability, evolving skill sets needed in the 21st-century workforce, and strategies to leverage India’s demographic dividend. Experts discussed how the education system and industry need to collaborate to bridge the skill gap, ensuring that India’s youth are equipped with the right skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
The Conclave also included the presentation of special awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the fields of education and industry. These awards celebrated innovation, leadership, and dedication to shaping a brighter, more employable future for India’s workforce.
The 7th Industry-Academia Annual Conclave proved to be an influential platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between academia, industry, and startups. The event emphasized the urgent need for a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the future, ensuring India’s position as a global leader in innovation and employability.
