Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (retired) KT Parnaik on Saturday urged universities to promote innovation, research and creativity, while stating that higher education must progress with a clear and purposeful vision.
Addressing the 23rd Conference of Higher and Technical Education at the Golden Jubilee State Banquet Hall, Itanagar, the Governor further urged universities to encourage students and faculty to develop solutions to regional challenges such as sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, disaster management and border area development.
He emphasized focused research in areas relevant to the State, including Himalayan ecology, renewable energy and indigenous knowledge systems. On the occasion, the Governor felicitated the pioneers of higher education in the State and conferred the Outstanding College Teacher Awards, Best NSS Volunteer Awards, Best Programme Officer Awards, Best NSS Unit Award, as well as the Undergraduate Topper and APSCTE Topper Awards.
The Governor also released a book titled “Shifting Cultivation: Traditions and Practices adopted by the Tangsa Tribe” authored by Dr Odol Pertin, Principal of Jomin Tayeng Government Model Degree College, Roing. Stating that technology is the biggest enabler, he highlighted the need to integrate modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, coding, and data science into academic curricula.
AI-enabled digital platforms, virtual labs, and smart classrooms, he said, can help students in remote areas access quality education, while reminding them to use AI as a learning aid rather than a substitute for critical thinking.
The Governor further advised institutions to nurture entrepreneurship and build strong start-up ecosystems through innovation hubs, incubation centres and start-up laboratories, enabling students to become job creators.
