IIIT Manipur hosts seminar, signs MoUs with JNU & Gandhigram Rural Institute
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2025: The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur today hosted a 1-day seminar on "Role of Higher Education and NEP 2020 for Vikshit Bharat 2047" at its Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, City Campus, Mantripukhri.

As per a release issued by IIIT Manipur, the event also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, and Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Tamil Nadu, as well as the launch of a Free Education Scheme for Transgender Students.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor, JNU; Dr N Panchanatham, Vice Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural Institute; and Prof Krishnan Baskar, Director, IIIT Manipur.

IIIT Manipur hosts seminar, signs MoUs with JNU & Gandhigram Rural Institute

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Krishnan Baskar shared insights on strengthening institutional capacity in the Northeast.

He emphasized that these collaborations and initiatives reflect IIIT Manipur's vision of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and nationbuilding through education.

"The MoUs with JNU and Gandhigram Rural Institute will pave the way for collaborative research, faculty exchange, joint conferences, and development programmes, enabling IIIT Manipur students and faculty to engage with premier institutions of national repute", he added.

Prof Pandit emphasized the transformative potential of NEP 2020 in shaping India's journey towards Vikshit Bharat 2047.Dr Panchanatham highlighted the need for ethics and value-based education in alignment with NEP 2020, stressing that higher education must balance innovation with responsibility.

Santa Khurai, noted gender rights activist and writer, spoke on the importance of trans-inclusive laws and the crucial role educational institutions play in implementing them.

She hailed Dayananda Taorem, PhD Scholar in the Department of Humanities and Basic Sciences, IIIT Manipur, as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many nupi maanbi (trans women) and nupa maanba (trans men).

A special address was also delivered by Dr J Jeganaathan, Associate Professor, School of International Studies, JNU, on the theme, "Technology Developed by Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Success of Operation Sindoor".

As part of the launch of the Free Education Scheme for Transgender Students, Dayananda Taorem was formally conferred with the Transgender Free Education Award, which carries a full tuition fee waiver.

She is the first beneficiary of this pioneering initiative, marking a milestone in IIIT Manipur's efforts to build an inclusive and equitable academic environment.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, reiterating IIIT Manipur's dedication to advancing education in line with NEP 2020 and contributing to the vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047 .