MANDI: Indian Institute Mandi and Himachali Pravasi Global Association (HPGA) have explored collaborations on socio-economic development of Himachal. They discussed creating a retreat centre dedicated to the Indian knowledge system and mental wellbeing on campus.
These discussions followed after Bhagya Chander, President, HPGA visited the Institute and met with director Prof Laxmidhar Bahera recently. They discussed ways in which Himachali NRIs based abroad could contribute in different ways to the Institute’s vision of serving the local and global Himachali society via technological interventions and research.
Himachalis settled abroad is working to serve and keep the Himachali NRI diaspora across the globe connected.
Prof. Laxmidhar Bahera, Director, IIT Mandi said IIT mandi and HPGA share a common vision to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Himachal region. “Such collaborations with global Indians from Himachal would enable meaningful discussions and programmes to fulfil this vision."
Mr Bhagya Chander, President, Himachali Pravasi Global Association, a Himachali living in Canada said they are overjoyed to see the research work for upcoming inventions duly carried by the IIT Mandi in field of IT, Biotech, and much more.
“We experience the IIT's research projects such as in landslide alarm system, Botanical Garden, cognitive recognition in artificial intelligence, VR methodology to promote the Himachal Tourism, cyber security threat, microbiology”, he said.
One of the main focus of HPGA’s mission is to contribute to the Himachal Pradesh for the well-being of state in respect of socio-economic development." After visiting the IIT Mandi campus it seems that together we can do much more to achieve our common goal with high level of efficacy."
Earlier on 9th April 2022, a meeting was held between HPGA, IIT Mandi, and the Government of Himachal Pradesh to discuss ways in which HPGA could contribute to the vision of IIT Mandi and the local people.
Chander also visited several research facilities on campus and interacted with students and researchers. These included the MANAS Lab, Applied Cognitive Science Lab, Advanced Research Materials Centre, C4DFED, and the BioX Centre.
IIT Mandi and HPGA are striving hard for a collective aim of making a positive impact on the socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh.
Apart from Bhagya Chander, fellow HPGA members Arun Chauhan and Dr. Sushil Sharma were along with R. N. Batta (Advisor to the Chief Minister, HP), Director, IIT Mandi, and Institute faculty.
Chander also met with Prof. Chayan K. Nandi, Dean, Resource Generation and Alumni Relations, Prof. Varun Dutt, Associate Dean, Resource Generation and Alumni Relations, Prof. Shyam K. Masakapalli, Associate Professor; Prof. Arnav Bhavsar, Associate Professor; and Prof. Satinder K. Sharma, Dean, Faculty from IIT Mandi.
