The Centres of Excellence being initiated by the government in the higher education sector of the state mark a crucial step towards timely transformation, said Higher Education Minister Dr. R. Bindu. She was inaugurating the Kerala Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation – the Centre of Excellence being established at Mahatma Gandhi University.
This is one of the seven centres being launched in the first phase, based on the recommendations of the Higher Education Reforms Commission. The initiative is part of efforts to align the higher education sector with the rapid advancements in science and technology. More such centres will be established across the state.
The Centre at M.G. University holds immense potential for transforming research ideas into initiatives and products that benefit the public. These centres are envisioned to improve the quality of life and strengthen the economic foundations of society through knowledge, the minister added.
Minister for Cooperation, Ports and Devaswom, V.N. Vasavan, who presided over the function, said that it is a matter of pride that M.G. University has been selected as one of the institutions to receive a Centre of Excellence in the first phase. He also pointed out that the university is among the institutions in Kottayam district that have effectively utilised KIIFB funds.
The minister also inaugurated the Advanced Knowledge and Rural Technology Implementation Centre (AKRUTI), being established by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre at Mahatma Gandhi University.
Dr. Rajan Varghese, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Higher Education Council, delivered the keynote address. Vice-Chancellor Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar, Syndicate member Adv. Reji Zacharia, District Panchayat member Dr. Rosamma Soni, Athirampuzha Grama Panchayat President Jose Ambalakkulam, other Syndicate and Senate members of the University, Registrar Dr. Bismi Gopalakrishnan, Dr. E.K. Radhakrishnan, heads of departments, and organisational representatives also participated in the event.
