Funded by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, these would promote sustainable livelihoods through capacity building, skill development for tribal communities, awareness against substance abuse, digital literacy, and awareness about nutrition and preventive health to help improve the overall well-being of the people of Mizoram.
The initiative was launched at an event titled “Mizoram Conclave on C20: Education & Digital Transformation,” organized by the Civil 20 Working Group on Education and Digital Transformation (EDT) and hosted by the two varsities. The Conclave saw two panel discussions on “Education under C20/G20 & alignment to National Education Policy 2020” and “Digital Transformation under C20/G20.”
Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Mizoram was the Chief Guest at the event and Dr. Renu Sharma Chief Secretary, Mizoram, delivered the keynote address. Addressing the Mizoram Conclave working group on Education and Digital Transformation, Governor of Mizoram K. Haribabu noted that the Government of India has ensured that sustainable development and inclusive growth are the focal points of our G20 initiatives and the C20 Engagement Group, representing the world’s civil society and NGOs, is one of the most crucial channels to address these issues.
He said a modern digitized society is the order of the day. In India, in the last nine years, digital infrastructure has undergone a sea- change. PM Narendra Modi has recently released a Vision Document that details India’s plans to develop and launch 6G, which is the 6th Generation telecom services. This is happening within six months of the roll-out of 5G services. By 2030, India will have 6G services. I’m happy to state that India had the fastest 5 G rollout in the world.
The Bharat 6G Vision Document provides an enabling environment for innovation, capacity building and faster technology adoption in the country.
This is the REAL digital transformation that we have been waiting for. Earlier, we used to calculate the per capita cost of living which included roti, kapda aur makaan, which means food, clothing and shelter. However, in a modern digitized society, these parameters have changed because our basic and fundamental needs have gone beyond these three things. Today, we need to calculate the index of cost of learning. And, in a modern society, the cost of learning is parallel to the cost of living.The cost of learning includes tools of learning and acquiring knowledge.
The Governor commended Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the EDT’s work as a C20 initiative for their study and recommendation of practical skill development and education models that are equitable and accessible for underdeveloped, developing, and emerging economies.
He said India has become a knowledge hub and destination. Therefore, the true index to measure an economy is not its GDP, but its GDKP. The Gross Domestic KNOWLEDGE Potential! The ‘K’ factor, which is the knowledge factor, is critical, and India is far ahead of others in the knowledge factor.
Education and knowledge, coupled with the use of technology to enhance education and knowledge, are the true measure of a successful and growing nation.
Chief Secretary Dr Renu Sharma said that the launch of the STI hubs in Mizoram under the C20 banner is a historic moment as we work towards improving tribal livelihoods, education, and sustainability in the state. She however noted the various challenges that the state of Mizoram is facing in terms of mass digitalization of education.
She urged the central government to ensure that there was greater devolution of funds for the state to enhance digital tools that could help in wider dissemination of education. She was happy to note that the state has a high literacy percentage and women literacy rate is almost ninety percent, almost at par with male literacy rate.
Mizoram University Vice Chancellor Pravakar Rath said that Mizoram as a state faces several challenges such as high unemployment rates, low ease of doing business, and rising concerns of substance abuse among young people. Health indicators also highlight the high prevalence of anaemia in children, adolescent girls and women, and the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases, including various types of cancers. The STI hubs being established by the two varsities to address these challenges are highly welcome.
Professor Lalhnilawma of the Mizo University said that the integrated Sustainable Livelihoods model which the two hubs will help implement in Mizoram is expected to improve social and financial capital through a combination of technology transfer, skills training, digital literacy, community empowerment, and capacity building, impacting the four districts: Aizawl, Kolasib, Mamit, and Serchhip. It will offer the Mizo people livelihood empowerment, skills and capacity building, documentation of indigenous knowledge systems and healing practices, and a knowledge resource and databank.
