The Madras Christian College (MCC) as part of its quartoseptcentennial elebrations will be conducting a national conference on ‘Indian Higher Education: Contemporary Challenges and Perspectives’ from July 23 to 25.
According to an MCC press release, the celebrations enable a historic opportunity for the college to make an objective analysis of the current state of higher education scenario in the country, and attempt to develop a vision document, which hopefully would provide new directions in higher education to all concerned.
The release notes that the higher education scenario in India today is undergoing a paradigm shift. The process of globalisation has impacted almost all dimensions of higher education.
More colleges and universities are set up by private agencies; internationalisation of education has come about in a big way; research and funding have become thrust areas of academic interest, and new methods of assessment and accreditation introduced.
On the other hand, issues like accessibility and sustainability of higher education, capitation fee and commercialisation, transparency and governance, and so on, have occupied a central place in any public discourse on higher education.
The government on its part is endeavouring to introduce several structural and curricular reforms through policy and legislation.
The National Knowledge Commission, which seeks to transform the knowledge landscape of the country, has made several radical recommendations, which are awaiting implementation at Central and State levels.
The conference is being held to address these pressing issues.
Eminent educationists would participate as resource persons. Besides paper presentations and panel discussions, a vision document would be released on the final day.
The participants will also deliberate on the need to set up a Higher Education Resource Centre.
Also, a book on higher education is being planned to be released on the occasion.
For more details, visit the college website www.mcc.edu.in
