North East Students Take Center Stage at India-Japan Education Conclave
With over 1,600 students registrations, the majority from the North East, the 3rd India-Japan Education Conclave spotlights the region's educational aspirations and global potential.
Guwahati (Assam) The 3rd India-Japan Education Conclave held saw an impressive attention of over 1,600 students and educators, with more than 70% of attendees hailing from the North East region of India.
This remarkable turnout underlines the growing aspiration among students in this region to connect with global educational opportunities, particularly in Japan.
Organized by the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC) in collaboration with the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture and supported by the Embassy of Japan, the conclave on September 28, 2024, became a beacon of cross-cultural and academic collaboration.
Inaugurated by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, the event centered on providing a unique platform for students from North East India to directly engage with Japanese universities, research institutions, and cultural representatives.
Rijiju emphasized the importance of this conclave as a bridge connecting the youth of the region with international prospects, highlighting how the keen participation from North East students is a clear indication of their enthusiasm for expanding their horizons beyond borders.
The conclave featured a wide range of activities aimed at bolstering India-Japan academic ties, such as educational booths with representatives from leading Japanese universities, cultural exhibitions featuring anime and traditional arts, and panel discussions focusing on expanding research collaboration and technology exchange.
The large presence of students from Assam and neighboring states reflected their eagerness to explore global education and career paths, particularly in sectors where Japan is a leader, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.
Dr. Ranoj Pegu, the Education Minister of Assam, spoke of the privilege for Assam to host such a significant event and the transformative opportunities it presents to the youth of the region. He underscored the need for further initiatives to make global education accessible to students in the North East, empowering them to take part in international research and academic programs.
He also noted that such collaborations are a significant step toward the educational and cultural advancement of the region.
This enthusiasm was echoed by Jiro Kodera of the Japanese Embassy, who highlighted the willingness of Japanese institutions to collaborate and create avenues for students from this region. Siddharth Deshmukh, President of IJBC, pointed out the cultural affinity between the people of North East India and Japan, noting that these connections are critical in nurturing partnerships that transcend borders.
The conclave not only facilitated learning but also placed the aspirations of North East India’s students at the forefront.
By providing access to international educational opportunities, it highlighted the untapped potential in the region and the role global collaboration can play in shaping the future of these young minds. The successful participation of students from the North East is a testament to their readiness to step onto the world stage, embracing new challenges, and opportunities with open arms.