The Education for Transformation (EFT) summit 2024, held at the Bangalore International Center, marked a pivotal moment in Karnataka’s quest to revolutionize its higher education landscape. This high-profile gathering brought together key figures from education, research, industry, and various associations to address critical issues in shaping a future-ready higher education ecosystem.
The summit saw the formation of the Education Task Force (ETF-i3), focusing on the Institution-Industry interface and aiming to position Karnataka as a global education hub. Prof. Rajeev Gowda, Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission, in his inaugural address, emphasized a two-dimensional approach: nurturing critical thinking internally while creating research opportunities externally. The summit highlighted the integration of the National Education Policy’s five Cs—Creativity, Critical Thinking, Confidence, Compassion, and Civility—into the education system.
It also stressed the importance of a research-oriented approach and leveraging Bangalore’s unique ecosystem to transform local institutions into “Vishwa Vidyalayas” (world-class universities). The gathering of education, research, and industry leaders underscored the collaborative effort to drive long-term improvements in Karnataka’s higher education landscape, with a vision to meet global standards and foster innovation.
The EFT Summit 2024 represented a significant step towards reimagining Karnataka’s higher education system. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and focusing on key areas such as industry-academia collaboration, research orientation, and global competitiveness, the summit laid the groundwork for a transformative journey in the state’s educational landscape.
Education for Transformation Summit 2024
Prominent figures from education and industry shared valuable perspectives:
Prof. Sadagopan (Former Director, IIIT) emphasized trust between government and citizens for educational advancement, advocating for increased accessibility for foreign students and addressing the imbalance between rising student fees and stagnant faculty salaries.
Dr. B.N. Suresh (Chancellor, Indian Institute of Space Science Technology) called for a shift from traditional teaching to nurturing learning and personal passion, stressing problem-solving and effective presentation skills.
Rev. Dr. Victor Lobo SJ (Vice-Chancellor, St. Joseph’s University) encouraged students to pursue their interests beyond existing job markets, believing this approach leads to diverse career opportunities.
Sri Vithal Madhyalkar (Country Manager, IBM) discussed creating a future-ready workforce, highlighting the need for industry-relevant education and addressing the lack of entrepreneurial and research opportunities.
Sri Raj Mruthyunjayappa (Chairman and CEO, Talisma Corporation) questioned the education sector’s utilization of Bangalore’s corporate presence and stressed the importance of aligning education with future work ecosystems to prevent a widening skills gap.
Ms. Cini Mathew (SVP, Global Head, SAP) expressed commitment to collaborating with students and institutions to develop a productive workforce.
Among other distinguished speakers at the EFT summit were Dr. Puttaraju, VC, Mandya University, M.Madan Gopal, IAS (Retd.) frm. Addl. Chief Secretary- GOK, Shivayogi Kalasad, IAS (Retd),CEO- Brigade Foundation, Prof. Devika P Madalli, Director, INFLIBNET,UGC-IUC, Dr.Amit Bhat, V.C,Dayanand Sagar University, Dr.K.B.Lingegowda, VC ,Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Tumkur, Dr.Muddu Vinay, Pro VC,ICFAI University, Kaushik Raj, Member Board Trustee, ATRIA University, Dr.Anitha Kurup and Dr.Gufran Beig from NIAS, Dr.Vijaya Lakshmi M, Professor IBAB, Dr.Asha Rajiv, Director, Jain University, Aravind Warrier, Volvo Group, Pradeep Pandey, ED, Grant, Thornton Bharath LLP, Madan Padaki, President, TiE Bangalore.
Dr. Rajesh Palayil, President of Education for Transformation (EFT), spoke at length with TheGlitz about the vision of EFT and the ongoing efforts of key stakeholders to transform education through dialogue and collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. Given the positive outcomes, he is optimistic that the next summit, highlighting the progress and actions taken, will occur in January 2025.
TheGlitz: What inspired you to organise this summit on education transformation?
Dr. Rajesh Palayil: The Education for Transformation (EFT) platform is a ground-breaking initiative designed to unite Indian educators, corporate leaders, bureaucrats, researchers, and institutional heads in driving meaningful change in education. This collaborative effort aims to foster innovation, excellence, and mentoring within the educational landscape.
The initiative responds to the growing recognition that traditional educational approaches are no longer sufficient for today’s learners. Based on my two decades of experience in various educational roles, it’s clear that curriculum and teaching methods must evolve to meet contemporary needs. This includes updating outdated examples, incorporating visual graphics and practical applications, and emphasising critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
EFT acknowledges that modern students thrive in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Therefore, education must shift from rote memorisation to developing analytical skills and applying knowledge in real-world contexts. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, EFT seeks to create a dynamic educational framework that prepares students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Can you describe your role in bringing this event to fruition?
It’s truly a team effort that begins with an idea and then connects the dots to turn it into reality and a success. Reaching out to educationists and gaining their support for the cause required conviction and confidence that such a gathering, along with advancing it through the Education Task Force, is a powerful way to drive meaningful change. After the summit, everyone is enthusiastic and confident that this approach is both viable and impactful. We all have a responsibility to the next generation to create an education system that enables them to contribute productively and live a life full of possibilities.
What are the key themes or topics that were addressed during the summit?
- Disrupting the Status Quo: Bold Vision for a Future-Ready Higher Education Ecosystem
- Synergising academia and industry—navigating continuous disruptions and tech advancements
- Catalysing academic transformation: infusing knowledge, research, and skills to be a global resource
- Employability Disruptions: Fostering Entrepreneurship Culture and Lifelong Learning
How do you envision this summit contributing to the broader conversation on education reform?
The EFT Summit serves as a pivotal platform for educational leaders and key stakeholders to address high-level challenges in the education sector. This collaborative initiative aims to reform and implement solutions collectively, fostering effective industry-academia engagement. The summit emphasizes the importance of redesigning the educational environment to create a futuristic ecosystem that can deliver world-class education and attract global students to India.
Central to this vision is the promotion of interdisciplinary knowledge, which nurtures holistic understanding and innovative thinking. By embracing this approach, institutions can cultivate critical thinking skills and adaptability in students.
The summit brought together over 120 institutions, represented by decision-makers such as chancellors, vice-chancellors, deans, and industry leaders. This diverse participation underscores the power of collaborative effort in driving meaningful change in education.
What outcomes or actionable insights do you hope attendees will take away from the event?
For the attendees, gaining knowledge and hearing diverse viewpoints from senior educationists on the legacy and future of education, technology, and global perspectives will be an enriching experience. Participants will also have an ongoing opportunity through EFT to advocate for educational reforms centred on inclusivity, innovation, and practical application. The Department of Education and all universities and colleges carefully record, document, and share the conclusions drawn from the summit discussions.
What criteria did you use when selecting speakers and attendees to ensure the summit would generate meaningful discussions and potential solutions in education transformation?
We aimed to have speakers who are experienced educationists, corporate leaders, and researchers who have made significant contributions to education in India and have played key roles in establishing institutions of excellence. We preferred individuals who share a similar mission and passion for transforming education for the next generation. Our speakers represented various education sectors, including agriculture, technology, space, medical, nursing, design, art and culture, commerce, law, aerospace, biotech, research, entrepreneurship, management, start-ups, defence, corporate, and industry associations.
Are there plans to make this summit an ongoing initiative? If so, what’s your long-term vision for it?
The summit is one way to share knowledge, but the real action lies with the ETF, Education Task Force I3 (Institutions-Industry-Interface), which consists of educationists, industry leaders, and bureaucrats who will identify key initiatives for both short-term and long-term strategies. The ETF will actively promote effective engagement between industry and academia, consistently bring agendas to the government and policymakers, and continually organise webinars and workshops to educate on global advancements in education that can drive transformation. This approach ensures a seamless continuation of our collective efforts to foster positive changes in the education sector.
TheGlitz media actively supports EFT initiatives through comprehensive coverage of the summit. By highlighting educational reforms and innovations, TheGlitz raises public awareness and engagement, contributing to the momentum of positive change in Karnataka’s higher education sector.
