In a significant stride towards transforming the educational landscape in Assam, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) successfully concluded a 6-day Residential Teachers’ Training program. The program, conducted under the Ministry of Education’s Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA) initiative, aimed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in government and government provincialized schools across the state. The training, held from 30th November to 5th December 2023, saw the active participation of 1000 teachers.
The valedictory ceremony, held on 5th December 2023, was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Education Minister of Assam, Dr. Ranoj Pegu. Distinguished guests included Shri Sanjoy Dutta, ACS, Executive Director, SSA, Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean, PRBR, and Prof. A. S. Achalkumar, Dean, OEP, IIT Guwahati, among others.
Dr. Ranoj Pegu, in his address, highlighted the program’s purpose of encouraging students to pursue Science and Mathematics in higher education. He expressed confidence that the training provided by IIT Guwahati would empower teachers to make these subjects more accessible to students in Assam. The Education Minister extended gratitude for IIT Guwahati’s support on various projects related to teacher education and tinkering labs, emphasizing their positive impact on the state’s education landscape.
The event also marked the launch of the Mind in Training for Right Awareness (MITRA) Project by the Government of Assam. Dr. Pegu emphasized the importance of meditation and mindfulness in education, aligning with the vision of a developed India by 2047 and the implementation of the National Education Policy in Assam.
Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean PRBR, IIT Guwahati, highlighted the institute’s commitment to enhancing the quality of STEM education in collaboration with the Education Department of Assam. The collaboration includes training teachers, developing experimental tools, adopting innovative teaching methodologies, and providing exposure opportunities to students through lab visits and hands-on learning.
During the residential program, teachers were trained in various STEM subjects, including Physics, Electronics, Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Materials Science, mental wellness, mindfulness, and 3D Printing. The goal was to revamp teaching pedagogy and bring quality STEM education to schools in Assam.
Shri Sanjoy Dutta, ACS, Executive Director, SSA, Govt. of Assam, urged teachers to transform classrooms into hubs of curiosity, exploration, and innovation. He emphasized the role of teachers as catalysts for igniting students’ passion for science and mathematics.
Teachers from 13 districts of Assam participated in the residential training program, reflecting the broad reach and impact of the initiative. The districts included Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup(M), Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Nalbari, South Salamara, West Karbi Anglong, and Karbi Anglong.
IIT Guwahati’s proactive collaboration with the state government reaffirms its commitment to making quality education accessible to all. The institute’s innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships are poised to continue transforming the education landscape not only in Assam but across the country.
Looking ahead, there are plans to extend similar training programs to science and engineering colleges, polytechnics, and higher secondary students’ talent nurturing programs. Initiatives like Arohan and Vigyan Pratibha Sandhan, along with state-level science and math quiz competitions, are also on the agenda.
About IIT Guwahati:
Established in 1994, IIT Guwahati has played a pivotal role in shaping education and research in India. The institute, with its diverse academic offerings, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to excellence, continues to be a leader in the field. IIT Guwahati has consistently ranked among the top engineering institutions in the country, demonstrating its dedication to quality education and research.
Media Contact for IIT Guwahati: Bhavani Giddu – Footprint Global Communications Cell: 9999500262 / Email: bhavani.giddu@footprintglobal.com Akhil Vaidya – Footprint Global Communications Cell: 98821 02818 / Email: akhil.vaidya@footprintglobal.com Sudeshna Gupta – Footprint Global Communications Cell: 91019 06449 / Email: sudeshna.gupta@footprintglobal.com Anurupa Devi – Footprint Global Communications Cell: 91019 06449 / Email: anurupa.devi@footprintglobal.com
