Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (retired) KT Parnaik emphasized the importance of innovation, research, and creativity in higher education during the 23rd Conference of Higher and Technical Education held at the Golden Jubilee State Banquet Hall in Itanagar. He urged universities to foster an environment where students and faculty focus on developing solutions to regional challenges, notably in areas such as sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, disaster management, and border area development. The Governor called for concentrated research on subjects crucial to the state, including Himalayan ecology, renewable energy, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Additionally, the event recognized outstanding contributions in higher education by awarding individuals and institutions with accolades such as the Outstanding College Teacher Awards and Best NSS Volunteer Awards, among others. The Governor also launched a book entitled “Shifting Cultivation: Traditions and Practices adopted by the Tangsa Tribe,” authored by Dr. Odol Pertin.
Highlighting the role of technology in education, he advocated for the integration of modern advancements like Artificial Intelligence, robotics, coding, and data science into educational curricula. He pointed out that AI-enabled digital platforms, virtual labs, and smart classrooms can significantly enhance access to quality education for students in remote areas, while cautioning them to utilize AI as a tool for learning rather than a replacement for critical thinking skills.
Furthermore, the Governor encouraged educational institutions to support entrepreneurship and establish robust start-up ecosystems through the creation of innovation hubs, incubation centers, and start-up laboratories, fostering a mindset among students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
