08th October 2024: The World Academy of Higher Education and Development (W-AHEAD) celebrated World Teachers’ Day at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on 5th and 6th October 2024. The event also featured the Higher Education Summit 2024 and the Fellow of Eminence Award ceremony, recognizing distinguished educationists and professionals who have made significant contributions to nation-building and the global community throughout their careers.
Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was the Chief Guest. Prof. Priyaranjan Trivedi, Executive Chairman of W-AHEAD, delivered the welcome address, and Prof. P.B. Sharma, President of W-AHEAD, presided over the function. The event was attended by eminent academicians, scholars, industry professionals, faculty members, and students from selected colleges of Delhi University and renowned schools of Delhi.
In his address, Shri Ram Nath Thakur highlighted the longstanding tradition of honoring teachers as the guiding lights of society. He emphasized that the global celebration of Teachers’ Day signifies the respect and recognition given to teachers worldwide, acknowledging their role in shaping the future of humanity. He encouraged teachers in colleges and universities to inspire their students to become noble global citizens. The Hon’ble Minister also unveiled several publications by W-AHEAD, including a comprehensive book titled Research for Development: Translating the Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 into a Reality, and Viswestariya Viswavidyalaya Kaisa Ho. A book titled Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, published by CIU and IIPGS, was also released.
The Fellow of Eminence Awards were presented to several distinguished figures, including Prof. Prem Vrat, Chairman BoG, IIT Dhanbad, and founding Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor, GGSIPU; Dr. Prateek Sharma, Vice Chancellor, DTU; Dr. Onkar Singh, Vice Chancellor, UKTU Dehradun; Prof. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU; Prof. D.N. Reddy, former Vice Chancellor, JNTU; Dr. Markandey Rai, President, Global Peace Foundation India; Dr. Saroj Bala, President, Scientific Research on Vedas, New Delhi; Dr. T. Padenga, Chancellor, Afrisol Group of Institutions, Zimbabwe; Dr. V.K. Yadav, former Chairman, Railway Board; Dr. Mangu Singh, former MD, Delhi Metro; Er. Pradeep Chaturvedi, Chairman, Indian National Academy of Engineers, Delhi Section; Er. S.N. Tripathi, Regional Executive Director (Hydro), NTPC Noida; Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary, CMD, NTPC; Er. Dinesh Kumar, former E-In-C, PWD Delhi; and Shri Rakesh Srivastava, Founder President, Innovative Prosthetics and Orthodontists, Nebraska, USA.
The awards were also conferred in absentia to Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, and former Director General, DRDO; Dr. Kumar Krishen, former NASA Chief Technologist and Exceptional Service Medal Recipient; Dr. Raj K. Tiwari, Professor and Program Director at New York Medical College, USA; Er. Prabhakar Singh, former Director General, CPWD; Prof. Deepak Dwivedi, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Blitz India Media Group; Rtn. Dr. Ravinder Gugnani, Rotary International District Governor; and Dr. Anoop Swarup, former Vice Chancellor, Jagran University, and Chairman, Global Network of Non-Killing.
Dr. Priyaranjan Trivedi, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of universities becoming engines of innovation, sustainability, and peace. He encouraged institutions to adopt the Master Plan for Universities of Tomorrow to ensure that higher education shapes the future of youth, the nation, and the world, contributing to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Prof. P.B. Sharma, in his address, underscored the need for breakthrough leadership in universities to promote the integration of education and research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the creation of islands of excellence. He emphasized that universities must focus on character-building, knowledge creation, outcome-based research and development, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and startups.