IIT-G opens Centre for Nanotech and Indian Knowledge System

GUWAHATI: Invention and research strengthen a nation’s backbone.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Government of India inaugurated the Centre for Nanotechnology (CNT) and the Centre for Indian Knowledge System at IIT-G (Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati) on Sunday, November 21. 

“The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages the creation of a cluster of institutions for further modernisation of India’s education system”, Pradhan stated at the inauguration. CNT augments an age of academic partnership with industry players from the field of nanotechnology. 

The centre received most of its funding (approximately Rs 37 crore) from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Dharmendra Pradhan also inaugurated two hostels at the premier technology institute. The new Disang hostel will add 1,000 rooms to the existing capacity of IIT-G. The Dikhow hostel is the first such facility on the campus specifically to provide accommodation for project staffers.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan congratulated IIT-G for securing its position in various national and international ranking systems. He also congratulated the authorities for creation of an ecosystem that is rich in research and focused on the overall development of the North-East region. 

The CNT will include 25 laboratories that will focus on advancements in scientific research. Currently, the centre hosts two labs that are sponsored by the MeitY and Indian Council of Medical Research. 

Centre of Indian Knowledge System will exclusively focus on preserving and documentation of knowledge that is unique in the country such as Indian classical music, yoga, Sanskrit, medicine, ceramic tradition, special agricultural practices and herbal plants especially found in the North-East region. 

Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Education, Government of Assam said that the institute should focus on “job creation rather than just providing an avenue for job seekers”. He further emphasized the need to mentor other educational institutions in the region and create modules for the training of the teachers. 

Governor of Assam Jagdish Mukhi speaking at the event stated that the NEP 2020 has the potential to rediscover India’s old glory and provide a high-quality educational opportunity to the youth for the betterment of the future of the country.