New Delhi: The Federation for World Academics (FWA) in partnership with Education Post News (EPN) successfully hosted the 7th Industry-Academia Annual Conclave 2024 at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. This year’s theme, ‘Employment & Employability: Ascending the Curve,’ focused on addressing key challenges and finding innovative solutions to enhance employability in India. The event saw the participation of over 200 influential leaders from the fields of academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. The program AAP Ki Baat, telecast on DD National and produced by Abhilasha Productions, attended the event as a media partner.
The Conclave was inaugurated by the esteemed Chief Guest, Prof. Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and Chairman of NAAC and NBA. He delivered an insightful keynote on leveraging India’s demographic dividend, both present and future. Prof. Sahasrabudhe highlighted how India’s vast youth population presents an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate growth and employability, urging stakeholders to align efforts towards creating a skilled workforce.
The event also saw the presence of several distinguished leaders, including Dr. Irfan A Rizvi, President of FWA, Dr. B.S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, Prof. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, and Prof. Col. S.S. Sarangdevot, Vice Chancellor of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur. They collectively underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to meet the evolving needs of India’s workforce.
Dr. Irfan A Rizvi, President of FWA, emphasized the Conclave’s role as a vital platform for knowledge exchange. “With over 200 delegates from diverse backgrounds, this Conclave serves as a unique networking opportunity, fostering collaboration between academic leaders, industry experts, and innovative entrepreneurs. It also provides a stage for 50 startups, each showcasing pioneering ideas that are set to shape the future of employment and industry,” Dr. Rizvi remarked.
Dr. B.S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, addressed the importance of a strategic roadmap to achieve the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. He spoke about India’s legacy as a “Vishwaguru” and reaffirmed that research and innovation are key drivers of the country’s progress. His speech resonated with the youth, inspiring them to actively contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
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.
