The International Institute of Medical Science and Technology Council (IIMSTC) hosted a landmark event titled “Diamond Beneath Your Feet”, an international forum aimed at transforming India’s educational landscape through global internships. The event, held under the leadership of the esteemed Professor Dr. Sreedhar Saraswathi, attracted attention from several prominent figures in academia, including the distinguished guest of honor, Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, and President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The forum focused on the importance of international internships as a means of building a globally competitive workforce in India. As the keynote speaker, Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak delivered an insightful address that significantly enriched the discussions around international collaborations and their transformative potential for Indian students.
Expanding the Vision Beyond Karnataka
During his speech, Prof. Pathak emphasized that the immense opportunity offered by international internships should not be limited to students from Karnataka but be made available to students across the nation. “It is essential that we look at India’s student ecosystem holistically and extend such benefits to every deserving student across the country,” Prof. Pathak remarked. This inclusive approach is vital in ensuring that students from various regions can access the exposure, skills, and experiences that international internships provide.
He further resonated with IIMSTC’s vision of empowering Indian students to become self-reliant in their careers by equipping them with the global skills and networks they need to excel in today’s rapidly evolving job market. This aligns with the Indian government’s broader objective of making India self-reliant, especially in the field of education and employment.
The Need for National Collaboration
Prof. Pathak strongly advocated for collaboration between IIMSTC and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to create a broader impact. He pointed out that such partnerships could bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students are not only trained in cutting-edge skills but also connected to the global marketplace. The AIU, representing over 800 universities across India, has the potential to take this initiative nationwide, reaching millions of students.
He also lauded the role of IIMSTC in creating international internship opportunities that offer students hands-on experience with the latest technologies and industry practices. According to Prof. Pathak, this collaborative approach could be the key to addressing the skill gaps in India’s education system, which often lacks the practical training students need to succeed in a competitive global environment.
Invitation to Expand IIMSTC’s Reach
In an encouraging gesture, Dr. Vinay Kumar Pathak invited IIMSTC to expand its reach across Indian universities, indicating his willingness to facilitate this process. He proposed signing an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between AIU and IIMSTC, which would allow the council to collaborate with universities across the country. This agreement would provide Indian students with greater access to international internship programs, significantly enhancing their career prospects.
Shaping a Self-Reliant India
The “Diamond Beneath Your Feet” forum proved to be a pivotal moment in the discourse on India’s educational future. Prof. Pathak’s address underscored the importance of collaboration, not only between academic institutions but also between countries. He reiterated that India’s students should have access to the best global opportunities, which would allow them to bring back invaluable knowledge and expertise to India, thereby contributing to the nation’s growth.
In conclusion, Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak’s participation and keynote address at this international forum marked a significant step towards realizing IIMSTC’s vision of transforming India’s educational system through international internships. His call for nationwide inclusion, collaboration, and self-reliance provides a clear roadmap for the future, one where every Indian student, regardless of their geographical location, can access the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world.
The proposed MOU between AIU and IIMSTC holds the potential to become a game-changer for Indian higher education, enabling students to gain international exposure and practical skills while contributing to India’s aspiration of becoming a global leader in education and innovation.
