Deakin University, Australia, marked its 30th anniversary of collaboration with India by hosting a series of high-profile events in New Delhi, celebrating its longstanding contributions to higher education, research, and innovation. As one of the first international universities to establish operations in India in 1994, Deakin has played a pivotal role in enhancing academic and industry ties between the two nations.
Key Milestones of Deakin’s 30-Year Journey:
- First International Branch Campus in India: Deakin launched India’s first international branch campus at GIFT City, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to promote the internationalisation of higher education.
- 30 Years of ‘In India, With India, For India’: Deakin’s collaboration with Indian academia, industry, and government is focused on fostering skill development, research, and educational excellence.
- High-Profile Events in New Delhi: The celebrations began with the NextGen Changemakers Conclave, followed by the ‘Paving the Path to India’s Transformation’ Conclave, held in partnership with Deloitte South Asia. This event focused on industry-academia collaboration to enhance India’s global innovation potential.
Honouring Contributions:
Deakin University awarded honorary doctorates to Dr. Vidya Yeravedkar, Principal Director of Symbiosis Society, and Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, India’s pioneering thought leader in Science, Technology, and Innovation, for their contributions to academia and the community.
New Initiatives Announced:
- AUD 1 Million Commitment for Impact Projects: Deakin committed AUD 1 million towards projects focusing on Higher Education, Sports, and Disaster Management in India.
- Expanding Skilling Initiatives: In collaboration with NSDC, Deakin’s skilling programs aim to impact 15 million lives, building on the 2,500 learners already reached.
- Research and Scholarships: Deakin has invested over AUD 50 million in India, with over 25,000 alumni, 70 scholarships, and 150 research fellowships awarded to Indian students.
Strategic Partnerships:
Deakin has forged over 50 partnerships with Indian institutions, including research collaborations, Centres of Excellence, and innovation hubs. These efforts will continue to grow, with the expansion of the GIFT City campus and initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration in sports, disaster resilience, and teacher training.
Deakin’s 30-year journey in India reflects its ongoing dedication to building meaningful partnerships and supporting India’s vision for growth and innovation. The university’s engagement underscores its role in India’s educational transformation and its commitment to fostering academic excellence.
