Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Jowai Polytechnic Institute hosted Technophilia 2 to mark its silver jubilee. The exhibition turned classroom theory into hands-on innovation. Vijay Kumar Mantri, Commissioner and Secretary of the Education Department, served as the chief guest. He urged schools to drop dry textbooks for practical, workshop-based learning.
Mantri noted that AI makes information easy to find. "Digital platforms and artificial intelligence have made information increasingly accessible, placing greater emphasis on practical competence and the ability to apply knowledge." He pushed for curricula that match current industry demands.
Students showcased work in fields like automobile engineering, textile design, and architectural assistantship. Mantri suggested that architectural designs must respect local geography. Meghalaya’s heavy rain requires specific features like sloping roofs and smart drainage. He also encouraged students to build electric vehicle prototypes.
The event drew other key officials, including guest of honour F.B.S. Ramsiej, the Joint Director of the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, and Deputy Director F. Rumnong. Ramsiej pushed the school to modernize labs and strive for excellence. Rumnong advocated for a hub-and-spoke model to share resources across institutions, citing the National Education Policy 2020.
Mantri challenged the institute to boost revenue through consultancy work with the local Deputy Commissioner. He wants students and faculty to solve real-world problems. Mantri toured the displays after the inauguration to talk with students about their designs. He urged faculty to keep tight ties with industry players to ensure graduates stay adaptable.
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