Stakeholders meeting on community mobilization for Vikshit Assam@2047 at AAU

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 29, 2024

A stakeholders meeting on “Community Mobilization for VikshitAssam@2047” was held at the Conference Hall of the College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Khanapara, Guwahati on Friday.

The event, an initiative of the College of Community Science under AAU, aimed to foster collaboration and strategize for a developed Assam by 2047.

The College of Community Science, previously known as the College of Home Science, is a pioneering institution in the region, offering education in various fields such as FOOD SCIENCE & Nutrition, Human Development and Family Studies, Resource Management and Consumer Science, Textile and Apparel Designing, and Extension Education and Communication Management.

The college offers a skill-oriented curriculum covering areas like product development, health foods, bakery technology, public health nutrition, resource management, ergonomics, textile processing and quality analysis, counselling and guidance, life skill education, information and communication technology, print and electronic journalism, multimedia production, and web designing.

The meeting, chaired by AAU vice-chancellor Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka was attended by state transport minister Keshab Mahanta, principal secretary of the labour welfare department, Dr B Kalyan Chakravarthy, Board of Secondary Education Assam (SEBA) chairman Ramesh Chand Jain and senior officers from various state government departments.

Faculty heads and professors from AAU and the Community Science College were also present.

In his welcome address, Dr Mamoni Das, Dean of Community Science College, highlighted the College’s potential to play a major role in promoting human health and well-being, societal equity, economic prosperity, and ecological health. She emphasized that collaboration with various state government departments and NGOs is crucial for achieving these goals and enhancing the visibility and credibility of their collective efforts.

The meeting aimed to bridge gaps and explore research opportunities in health, gender equality, handloom and sustainable textiles, renewable waste management, and educational and psychological needs. Various state departments, including Science and Technology and Climate Change, NHM, Dept. of Agriculture, DHS, Dept of Education, WCD, Poshan Abhiyan, Handloom & Textile Department, Department of Sericulture, PNRD, ASRLM, Social Justice and Employment, Tribal Affairs, Tourism, Central Silk Board, ASTEC, Entrepreneurship and Skill Training, Weaver Service centre, representatives from non-government organizations namely UNICEF, PATH, Piramal Foundation participated in the discussions.

By leveraging the technical and practical skills acquired by students from the College of Community Science, the meeting sought to create convergence, develop effective community mobilization strategies as well as the creation of job opportunities and avenues for graduates of the Faculty of Community Science. This collaborative effort is expected to significantly contribute to achieving the vision of VikshitAssam@2047.

Later in a post on X transport minister Keshab Mahanta wrote: “Attended the Stakeholders Meeting on Community Mobilization for Vikshit Assam 2047 at Assam Agricultural University in Guwahati today. VC AAU Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka, PS GoA Dr B Kalyan Chakraborty, Chairman SEBA Ramesh Chand Jain, Dean College of Community Science Dr Mamoni Das, senior officials of the state government, and HoDs and professors of AAU and College of Community Science also participated.”