By Our Correspondent
DUBAI/BHUBANESWAR: The Dubai campus of IIM Ahmedabad was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is on a two-day visit to the UAE, and UAE Minister of Higher Education Dr. Abdul Rehman Al Awar.
In this context, Shri Pradhan said that this is another big step towards the internationalization of Indian education as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This new campus will give a new identity to India to the world. This international campus provides an ideal launchpad for the policy of ‘Indian in spirit, global in outlook’ envisaged in the National Education Policy. This campus has added a glorious chapter in the history of India-UAE education. Shri Pradhan also congratulated the launch of the first MBA program at the campus.
Earlier, Shri Pradhan held a meeting with Dr. Abdul Rehman Al Awar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the UAE. The bilateral cooperation in higher education between the two countries was reviewed and discussions were held on strengthening the knowledge bridge between the two countries. The two Ministers also discussed ways to further expand the knowledge, innovation and research sector. Joint research in important and emerging areas, capacity building, bilateral cultural and educational exchanges were also discussed in the meeting.
Shri Pradhan thanked the UAE Minister of Higher Education for being a partner in Indian educational institutions in Dubai. Shri Pradhan particularly appreciated the Minister’s support in advancing the priorities of both sides, global connectivity and setting up higher Indian educational institutions in the UAE. He said that India is a hub of talented human resources and the UAE is a hub of the global economy. Committed to strengthening the ties between the citizens of India and the UAE and maintaining the old ties.
Shri Pradhan also attended a roundtable meeting of Indian higher education leaders in the UAE. Shri Pradhan discussed their vision and plans for the future with the leaders of higher education institutions. Shri Pradhan also discussed strengthening ‘Brand India’ in the global education, innovation and entrepreneurship map. Besides, on the last day of his visit, Shri Pradhan paid homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian Consulate in Dubai and planted a tree under the ‘Ek Peed Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Shri Pradhan interacted with the principals of CBSE schools on the occasion of Teachers’ Day and also launched Atal Tinkering Labs in Indian schools in the UAE.
It is to be noted that yesterday, Shri Pradhan visited the Baaps Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi and attended the first anniversary of Symbiosis University, Dubai Campus. Speaking at the anniversary of the Symbiosis Campus, Shri Pradhan said that this anniversary is not just a celebration of milestones but also a celebration of India’s increased presence on the global education map. Symbiosis is synonymous with quality and excellence. Similarly, Shri Pradhan appreciated the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and other activities near the Baaps Hindu Temple.
The Union Education Minister launched B.Tech and PhD programmes in Chemical Engineering and Energy and Sustainability at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus and inaugurated the first-ever Atal Incubation Centre abroad.
