Kumar Bahukhandi
From digital innovation to industry partnerships – “Shiksha Samvad” charts the future of higher education
Raipur: “Shiksha Samvad” was organised on Tuesday February 17, 2026 at a local hotel in Raipur to better coordinate education, skill development, and employment in the state. Academics, industry experts, and policymakers participated in this important event.
An MoU was signed between the Higher Education Department and IIT Madras and Lincoln University. Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Varma attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest.
Secretary Higher Education Department Dr. S. Bharathidasan, Commissioner Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan, CEO Elets Dr. Ravi Gupta, Director ICFAI Sudhakar Rao, High Commissioner of Seychelles H.E. Harisoya Laltiana, along with Vice Chancellors, Registrars, and Professors from various universities were present on the occasion.
In the session themed “Education, Skills, and Employment for a Developed Chhattisgarh,” special discussions focused on making higher education job-oriented, aligning curriculum with industry needs, and regional development priorities.
The event aimed to pave the way for new employment opportunities for youth by connecting the education system with industry needs. The various sessions discussed in detail the new education policy, skill development, industry-education partnerships, startup opportunities, and future employment prospects. Experts believe that this type of dialogue will bring positive changes to both the quality of education in the state and the employability of youth.
“Shiksha Samvad” is considered a significant initiative towards Chhattisgarh’s educational and industrial development.
In the second phase of “Shiksha Samvad,” there was intense brainstorming on making higher education digital, industry-oriented, and research-based. Vice-Chancellors, academics, industry representatives, and policy experts participated in various sessions and presented suggestions for reorienting the education system.
Transforming Higher Education with Digital Innovation
This session discussed topics such as digital campuses, LMS and blended learning models, AI-based teaching-assessment, data-driven governance, and cybersecurity. Experts agreed that the proper use of technology can improve both transparency and quality.
Industry-Academic Collaboration for Employment-Oriented Education
This session discussed industry-specific curriculum, internships and apprenticeships, the role of Sector Skill Councils, and outcome-based education. Speakers stated that strong collaboration between universities and industry will provide better employment opportunities for youth.
Towards a Knowledge Economy – Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
The final technical session discussed the current research landscape, the establishment of innovation centers, startup promotion, international collaboration, and commercialization of research. Experts emphasised the need to develop an innovation culture in educational institutions.
“Shiksha Samvad” is considered an important initiative towards modernising higher education in the state, supporting industry, and fostering a bright future for youth. The program was concluded with keynote addresses by Dr. Bharathidasan and Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan.
The ‘Shiksha Samvad 2026’ reiterated the resolve to take concrete steps towards building a future-oriented, innovation-driven and industry-aligned higher education ecosystem in the state.
