Union Education Minister Promotes Multidisciplinary Focus for IITs and IIMs at Odisha Research Centre Inauguration

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan revealed that the Centre has advised the IITs and IIMs to take a multi-disciplinary approach, expanding their scope beyond their specialized domains. Speaking at the inauguration of the Odisha Research Centre on November 26, Pradhan emphasized that the National Education Policy, 2020 prioritizes providing multidisciplinary education, and that premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs will follow suit.

The Odisha Research Centre was jointly inaugurated during the event by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chhattisgarh counterpart Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, and Minister Pradhan. The research agenda of the center includes art, culture, archaeology, tradition, literature, sociology, political processes, agriculture, commerce, business, industry, contemporary Odisha development trends, science, technology, healthcare, and future technologies. It will also address issues concerning smart cities, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable development, semiconductors, rare earths, and advanced minerals.

Minister Pradhan emphasized the significance of the Odisha Research Centre in shaping the region’s future. He stated that the center, which was established in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, the Ministry of Education, IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to develop innovative epistemological frameworks. These frameworks will delve into various facets of Odisha’s history, culture, economy, and society. Pradhan concluded with a forward-looking statement, saying, “In 2036, when Odisha will celebrate the centenary of its formation, and in 2047, when the country will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, the ORC will prepare a roadmap for the development of Odisha and Odia language.” This highlights the critical role that the Odisha Research Centre will play in charting the course for Odisha’s development and promoting the Odia language.