‘ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium 2025- A Roundtable Meet’ held at Vivanta Guwahati on 26th March
A RoundTable Meet held on March 26 in Guwahati, Assam, brought together distinguished leaders from the higher education sector across Northeast India. The event was successfully hosted by ArdorComm Media Group in association with ACCA. This symposium served as a crucial platform for academia and industry experts to engage in insightful discussions on ’Future-Ready Workforce: The Role of Professional Qualifications in Developing Critical Skills’.
Event was witnessed by esteemed lineup of speakers, including Prabhanshu Mittal, Head of Education Partner Relationship- India, ACCA and Rohan Rajvanshi, Education Partner Relationships Lead- North, East, West & Central India, ACCA alongside eminent academicians from North-eastern states. The event fostered meaningful dialogues on bridging the skills gap between education and industry. Eminent eductors such as Joutishman Dutta Vice President, Assam Down Town University, Prof. Partha Pratim Baruah, President – Governing Body, B Borooah College, Dr. Sagar Onkarrao Manjare, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Dr. Manjeet Kaur Kaushal, Vice Chancellor, CMJ University contributed their expertise to the discussions.
The conference explored how professional qualifications, structured learning programs, and industry partnerships can drive workforce readiness in an era of digital transformation. The presence of notable education leaders such as Dr. Paul Bhaggien, Vice-Chancellor, North East Adventist University, Prof. (Dr.) Pranveer Singh, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Assam Down Town University, and Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, MIT University of Meghalaya underscored the importance of competency-based education in shaping the next generation of professionals.
With thought-provoking insights from distinguished panelists—including Prof. Dr. George AP, Dean- Royal School of Business & Commerce, Prof. Kumud Ch. Goswami, Dean – Faculty of Commerce and Management Sciences, Dibrugarh University, and Dr. Hrishikesh Baruah, Principal, K.C. Das Commerce College—the symposium successfully highlighted the need for adaptability, innovation, and collaboration in higher education.
Through engaging discussions and strategic networking, the Education Leadership Symposium provided an opportunity for policymakers, educators, and industry representatives to unite in their mission to develop a future-ready workforce.
Quotes from eminent speakers at the ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium 2025
Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group: “We are creating a platform where challenges meet solutions. My vision is to bring policymakers, industry leaders, and educators together, not just for discussions, but for real action. Witnessing the engagement and thought leadership at this symposium reinforces the importance of our mission”.
Prabhanshu Mittal, Head of Education Partner Relationship- India, ACCA: “Collaboration is key. We must break away from working in silos and ensure that institutions and industries come together to create meaningful academic advancements.”
Rohan Rajvanshi, Education Partner Relationships Lead- North, East, West & Central India (NEWC), ACCA: “The industry is changing rapidly, and we must evolve with it. Sticking to conventional methods will only widen the gap between academia and industry expectations.”
Joutishman Dutta, Vice President, Assam down town University: “Education should not be restricted to classrooms. We need to integrate industry exposure at every level to prepare students for real-world challenges.”
Prof. Partha Pratim Baruah, President – Governing Body, B Borooah College: “The faculty has a critical role to play in bridging the gap between traditional education and modern industry demands. We need to empower them with resources and training.”
Dr. Sagar Onkarrao Manjare, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University: “Innovation in education must be embraced wholeheartedly. If we do not move forward, we risk being left behind in an ever-evolving world.”
Dr. Manjeet Kaur Kaushal, Vice Chancellor, CMJ University: “The transformation of education lies in adaptability. If we adapt to changing trends, we will be able to offer students a future-proof learning experience.”
Dr. Paul Bhaggien, Vice-Chancellor, North East Adventist University: “We should involve students in real-world projects from early on, making them industry-ready even before they graduate.”
Prof. (Dr.) Pranveer Singh, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Assam down town University: “The collaboration between academia and industry is not an option but a necessity. We must all work towards a common goal of holistic development.”
Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, MIT University, Meghalaya: “Education leaders must act as catalysts of change. Bringing together industry and education will create a seamless ecosystem for student growth.”
Prof. Dr. George AP, Dean- Royal School of Business & Commerce: “Students are the future, and they should be given ownership of their learning journey. Industry collaboration must start at the grassroots level.”
Prof. Kumud Ch. Goswami, Dean – Faculty of Commerce and Management Sciences, Dibrugarh University: “Bringing government policymakers into these discussions will help shape a more inclusive and effective education system.”
Dr. Hrishikesh Baruah, Principal, K.C. Das Commerce College: “We need to encourage faculty members to explore new teaching methods that align with modern industry requirements.”
Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahanta, Principal, Pragjyotish College: “A digital transformation in education is inevitable. We must be ready to embrace it with open minds.”
Dr. Mampi Bora, Principal, Jettwings Business School: “Every institution should actively participate in industry collaborations and knowledge exchange to ensure that students get maximum exposure.”
Dr. Bipasha Chetiya, HoD – Commerce, Dibrugarh University: “Faculty and students alike should engage in continuous learning, adapting to new skills required by the industry.”
Dr. Abdur Rashid Ahmed, Asst. Prof & HoD – Economics, Assam Don Bosco University: “Education is about empowering students with the right skills, knowledge, and exposure. Industry collaboration can make this a reality.”
Dr. Biju Mani Das, Asso. Prof. & HoD – Commerce, Assam Don Bosco University: “If we do not bridge the academia-industry gap now, we risk producing graduates who are unprepared for the challenges of the real world.”
Mridul Deka, HoD – Commerce & Management, Krishnaguru Adhyatmik Vishvavidyalaya: “Bringing students into the forefront of industry discussions will prepare them to become leaders of tomorrow. Practical exposure should be an integral part of education.”
The conference brought together education leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the evolving landscape of academia and industry collaboration. The central theme revolved around breaking silos and fostering cooperation between institutions, businesses, and professional bodies to enhance educational outcomes. The speakers addressed the importance of integrating modern technology, adapting to industry needs, and equipping students with practical skills. The event underscored the need for proactive engagement from faculty, students, and administrators in shaping the future of education. The discussions highlighted real-world challenges and proposed actionable solutions, making this a milestone event in advancing academic-industry partnerships.
The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium successfully fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, bridging academia and industry in a meaningful way. The discussions and insights shared by esteemed speakers and delegates underscored the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and professional qualifications in shaping a future-ready workforce. The event concluded on a high note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to driving transformative change in education. As we move forward, the momentum generated here will continue to inspire innovation and partnerships, ensuring that our educational institutions are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
