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How IITs Are Emerging as India’s Newest Global Export Powerhouses

 

New Delhi: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), renowned for shaping India’s tech leaders, are now making waves globally. In less than a year after launching its first overseas campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, IIT has expanded further by opening a second international campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This new Abu Dhabi campus, under the aegis of IIT Delhi, was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This development not only highlights IIT’s growing global presence but also strengthens the educational ties between India and the UAE.

The inaugural batch consists of 52 undergraduate students, chosen through the competitive JEE Advanced examination and the newly introduced Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) designed specifically for international candidates. These students will embark on their academic journey, pursuing BTech degrees in Computer Science & Engineering and Energy Engineering.

Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s Union Minister of Education, expressed his gratitude on the occasion. “The presence of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the inauguration of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus marks a new chapter in India-UAE collaboration in higher education,” he remarked on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

This expansion comes as a result of a key agreement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Signed in February 2022, this agreement laid the foundation for advancing cooperation between the two nations, with education and technology being primary areas of focus.

“IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi is a symbol of the strong ties between our two nations, demonstrating how knowledge, science, and technology can foster mutual growth and global prosperity,” Pradhan added.

In addition to undergraduate programs, the Abu Dhabi campus will offer a Master of Technology (MTech) program focused on Energy Transition and Sustainability, signaling a commitment to addressing critical global challenges.

IIT Madras led the way in overseas expansion when it opened its first international campus in Zanzibar in November 2023. The campus currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence and a Master of Technology in Data Science & AI, with an additional MTech program in Ocean Structures launching in 2024.

Further international campuses are reportedly in the pipeline, with potential locations in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, and the UK. These global ventures align with India’s broader push to ‘internationalize’ higher education as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In 2022, India’s Ministry of Education also set up a special committee to explore the feasibility of Indian universities establishing overseas campuses. Prime Minister Modi has reiterated this goal, emphasizing that India aims to create such a robust education system that students no longer need to study abroad. Instead, foreign students would be drawn to India for their education.

IITs, long regarded as the pinnacle of engineering education in India, boast a star-studded alumni base that includes leaders like Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal, and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy.

Recently, IITs have once again dominated the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings, with IIT Madras claiming the top spot, followed closely by IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.

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The Crucial Role of Science Communication: Connecting Knowledge with Society by Praveen Shukla

The Crucial Role of Science Communication: Connecting Knowledge with Society

In our rapidly advancing world, science and technology serve as the bedrock of innovation and progress. As a student deeply engaged in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras, I have come to realize that the true power of science lies not just in its discoveries but in its ability to reach and resonate with the broader public. Science communication, therefore, stands as a vital bridge between the often complex, esoteric world of scientific research and the everyday experiences of people. This bridge is not merely functional; it is transformative, holding the potential to inform, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to engage with science in meaningful ways.

Science Communication: A Catalyst for Societal Engagement

Science communication transcends the mere transmission of information; it is about crafting narratives that make scientific concepts accessible and engaging to a diverse audience. Whether through digital media, public lectures, or educational programs, effective science communication demystifies complex ideas and connects them to real-world implications. This approach is central to the initiatives I’ve been involved with, such as the India Techno Fest and the CERN Switzerland Lab Live Virtual Tour. These programs have illuminated for me the profound impact that well-executed science communication can have in sparking curiosity and enthusiasm, particularly among younger audiences.

A significant challenge in this field lies in bridging the gap between scientific jargon and layman’s language. This requires not only a deep comprehension of the subject matter but also a keen understanding of how to translate complex ideas into clear, relatable concepts. For example, during the CERN virtual tour, the objective was to present the intricate details of particle physics in a way that was both comprehensible and engaging for high school students. By focusing on the broader implications of the research and using analogies grounded in everyday experiences, we were able to make the science both understandable and fascinating.

Engaging the Next Generation: The Future of Science Communication

Engaging young minds in science is a mission I hold dear, particularly through my work as the Founder and Project Lead of GLOBAL SCIENCE, a national-level not-for-profit science communication organization. This role has allowed me to spearhead numerous initiatives aimed at fostering a deep-seated interest in science among students. By leading programs like the Asteroid Hunting Initiative, part of NASA’s International Asteroid Search Collaboration, we have enabled students to contribute to genuine scientific research, thus bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The significance of engaging youth in science communication cannot be overstated. Early involvement in science not only cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also lays the groundwork for a lifelong passion for discovery. Through interactive sessions like the National Science Day Quiz and hands-on workshops, we have seen how active participation can elevate students’ enthusiasm and curiosity. These experiences underscore the importance of creating platforms where young people can explore and engage with science beyond the classroom, shaping them into informed, curious, and capable citizens.

The Evolving Landscape of Science Communication

Looking to the future, the role of science communication will become increasingly critical in navigating the complex challenges of our time—be it climate change, public health crises, or the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The future of science communication will likely be defined by its ability to adapt and innovate, leveraging new technologies and digital platforms to reach broader audiences more effectively. In this context, I see tremendous potential in harnessing the power of data science to refine and personalize communication strategies, ensuring that scientific information is not only accessible but also impactful.

Data-driven insights can offer a deeper understanding of how different audiences engage with scientific content, allowing communicators to tailor their approaches to meet specific needs. For instance, by analyzing engagement metrics and feedback, we can continuously improve the effectiveness of our initiatives, ensuring they resonate with and empower the intended audiences. This approach not only enhances science literacy but also fosters a culture of informed decision-making and critical thinking.

Conclusion

Science communication is far more than a tool for disseminating knowledge; it is a powerful force for social change. By making science accessible, relevant, and engaging, we can inspire individuals to explore, question, and innovate. As someone deeply embedded in both the scientific and communication spheres, I am committed to strengthening the connection between science and society, ensuring that the advancements of today are understood, appreciated, and utilized to create a better tomorrow. Through continued efforts in science communication, we can build a society that not only values science but actively participates in the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of humanity.

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