Lucknow: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh on December 16. The programme was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. S. Victor Babu, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ashwini Kumar Singh, Registrar and Prof. Shilpi Verma.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal stated that through this Memorandum of Understanding, a meaningful effort would be made to integrate the Indian Knowledge System into the mainstream of education between the two universities, thereby harmonising traditional knowledge with modern academic and research frameworks. He emphasized that the primary objective of this collaboration is to promote outcome-based research that can make a tangible socio-economic contribution to the overall development of society. Prof. Mittal further noted that to realise the vision of a “Developed India,” it is essential to work by integrating Indian Knowledge Systems, modern technology, and innovation with education. He also stressed the need to prioritise a student-centric teaching–learning approach within the education system, stating that this perspective is vital for strengthening quality-driven, practical, and socially relevant education.
Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Sat Prakash Bansal, while sharing his views on various aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, described the policy as a visionary step towards making the Indian education system more inclusive, flexible, multidisciplinary, and innovation-oriented. He laid special emphasis on the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems, skill-based and experiential learning, and the promotion of research and innovation under NEP 2020. He further stated that effective implementation of the policy would provide new direction to quality, social relevance, and global competitiveness in higher education.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, is a significant initiative aimed at realising the core spirit of NEP 2020, with the primary objective of strengthening the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with higher education, research, and innovation.
Under this MoU, emphasis will be laid on the development and implementation of joint academic programmes, certificate courses, and skill-based curricula by integrating traditional, indigenous, and folk knowledge with modern scientific research, technology, and a multidisciplinary approach.
The agreement will promote joint research projects, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, research publications, policy briefs, documentation, knowledge preservation, and dissemination, along with strengthening collaboration in areas related to Indian philosophy, culture, languages, arts, governance, sustainability, indigenous sciences, and social systems. Additionally, in alignment with NEP 2020, the MoU will encourage the multiple entry–multiple exit system, enhancement of digital infrastructure, smart classrooms, joint utilisation of MOOCs, SWAYAM, and other e-learning platforms, exchange of best academic practices, industry collaboration, internships, experiential learning, promotion of start-ups and incubation centres, as well as patents and knowledge transfer.
The MoU also focuses on enhancing academic quality and social engagement through student and faculty exchange programmes, seminars, conferences, workshops, short-term training programmes, and capacity building of young researchers. Overall, this agreement provides a robust platform for the preservation of Indian knowledge traditions, innovation, global academic collaboration, and the expansion of socially relevant education in accordance with the objectives of NEP 2020. During the programme, Deans of various faculties, Heads of Departments, and university officials were also present.
