New Delhi: A high-level National Meeting jointly organized by the Centre for Education Growth and Research (CEGR) and the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) under the title MANTHAN, brought together eminent educationists, academicians, policymakers, and industry experts from across India to deliberate on the evolving landscape of education and skill development in the country.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, renowned educationist, Chancellor of AAFT University, and former President of CEGR, who emphasized the urgent need to align education with the rapidly changing demands of industry, technology, and global opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah said, “India stands at a critical juncture where education must not only impart knowledge but also develop skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The purpose of this national consultation is to understand the current needs, emerging challenges, and future requirements of the education sector so that we can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and industry-oriented learning ecosystem.”
The discussions covered a wide range of issues including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), skill-based learning, digital transformation in education, industry-academia collaboration, employability enhancement, internationalization of higher education, and the growing importance of creative industries and emerging technologies.
Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, President of South Asian University, highlighted the significance of innovation and global collaboration in higher education. He stated, “The future of education lies in creating institutions that foster research, critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and international partnerships. We must prepare students not just for jobs, but for lifelong learning and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.”
Speaking on behalf of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council, Mohit Soni, CEO of MESC, emphasized the growing role of skill development in nation-building. He remarked, “The media and entertainment sector is expanding at an unprecedented pace, creating new opportunities and new job roles. Industry-oriented training, certification, and skill enhancement are essential to bridge the gap between education and employment. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry are the need of the hour.”
Ravish Roshan, Director of CEGR, underscored the importance of continuous dialogue among stakeholders. He said, “This meeting serves as a valuable platform for educators, institutions, and industry leaders to collectively shape the future roadmap for education in India. The recommendations emerging from these discussions will contribute significantly to strengthening educational quality, accessibility, and relevance.”
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to fostering stronger partnerships between educational institutions, industry bodies, and government agencies to ensure that India’s education system remains future-ready and globally competitive.
The participants appreciated the initiative taken by CEGR and MESC in creating a national forum for meaningful dialogue and strategic planning aimed at advancing education, research, innovation, and skill development in India.
The recommendations and outcomes of the meeting will be compiled and shared with relevant stakeholders to support policy formulation and institutional development across the country.
