TAASIR :– S M HASSAN –7 SEPT
Jodhpur, 7th September 2024: IIT Jodhpur observed Teachers’ Day 2024 with a series of events to honor the institution’s educators and to introduce new academic initiatives. The celebration began with a traditional Sarasvati Vandana, followed by the Lamp Lighting Ceremony and a Tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. These solemn proceedings set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to recognizing the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of the nation.
Professor Avinash Kumar Agarwal, Director of IIT Jodhpur, delivered the inaugural address, reflecting on the importance of teaching as a noble profession. He introduced a new initiative aimed at offering first-year B.Tech. courses in Matra Bhasha (non-English) languages, making education more accessible and inclusive for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. A brief video presentation demonstrated the potential of this initiative to bridge language barriers in technical education. “At the heart of IIT Jodhpur’s success are our teachers—their unwavering commitment, pursuit of excellence, and ability to inspire,” said Professor Agarwal. “They are not just transmitters of knowledge but mentors who shape the character, intellect, and vision of our students.”
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) Website, where Dr. Avinash Sharma, Professor In-Charge, CCE, provided an overview of the Centre’s mission to offer lifelong learning opportunities. The Centre will focus on delivering innovative courses designed to cater to professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
This was followed by the Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony, recognizing six outstanding faculty members for their contributions to academic excellence. The awards celebrate educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the learning experience at IIT Jodhpur.
Among the most anticipated parts of the program was the recognition of four educators with the prestigious Distinguished Teacher Awards:
• Dr. Vivek Vijay, Department of Mathematics
• Dr. Binod Kumar, Department of Electrical Engineering
• Prof. Kaushalkumar Ashokbhai Desai, Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Prof. Somitra Kumar Sanadhya, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Awardees of Teaching Excellence:
• Dr. Vivek Vijay, Department of Mathematics
• Prof. Richa Singh, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
• Dr. Akanksha Choudhary, School of Liberal Arts
• Dr. Sumit Kalra, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
• Dr. Arpit Arvind Khandelwal, Department of Electrical Engineering
• Prof. Meenu Chhabra, Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering
Prof. O. P .Yadav, Guest of Honour
Guest of Honour, Dr. O. P. Yadav, Director of ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur, emphasized the holistic role of teachers in shaping responsible citizens. “Teaching goes beyond the classroom; it’s about educating individuals to become responsible citizens and building strong character,” he stated. His address resonated with the audience, highlighting the foundational impact of primary educators on students’ lifelong learning journeys.
Shri Narendra Goliya, Chairman and Managing Director of Rishabh Instruments Ltd. and Ivaan Foundation, addressed the gathering and introduced the newly established Rishabh Centre for Research & Innovation in Clean Energy. This initiative, supported by a ₹70 crore donation from Mr. Goliya, aims to propel research in clean energy technologies, contributing to India’s sustainable future. Shri Goliya also announced two significant research chairs to promote the research excellence of faculty members at IIT Jodhpur: the Goliya Chair for Energy Research, and the Johri Young Faculty Fellowship for Energy Research. “Character building for future generations goes beyond book knowledge; it’s about impactful teachers and the irreplaceable teacher-student relationship,” said Shri Goliya, reinforcing the importance of education in India’s growth.
The day concluded with an insightful address by the Chief Guest, Prof. K. L. Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of JNVU, Jodhpur. He spoke on the significance of integrating regional languages into technical education, underscoring IIT Jodhpur’s commitment to both innovation and cultural preservation. “At IIT Jodhpur, celebrating Teachers’ Day involves harmonizing nature and technology, with a strong commitment to incorporating regional languages into BTech programs,” said Prof. Srivastava.
The Teachers’ Day celebration wrapped up with a vibrant cultural program performed by students, leaving the audience with a sense of pride and appreciation for the remarkable contributions of the faculty at IIT Jodhpur.
About IIT Jodhpur
The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur was established in 2008, to foster technology education and research in India. The institute is committed to technological thought and action to benefit the economic development of India. Scholarship in teaching and learning; scholarship in research and creative accomplishments; and relevance to industry are three driving forces for us at IIT Jodhpur.
IIT Jodhpur functions from its sprawling residential Permanent Campus of 852 acres on National Highway 62, North-Northwest of Jodhpur towards Nagaur. This campus is meticulously planned and envisioned to stand as a symbol of academics. A large parcel of the Permanent Campus (of about 182 acres) is set aside for the development of a Technology Park to strengthen institute-industry interactions.
The institute is committed to a multidisciplinary approach of technology development. IIT Jodhpur, with its excellent track record of designing multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary programs, has initiated the formation of Transdisciplinary Centres of Excellence.