Shillong, Oct 23: Jowai Polytechnic Institute marked its Silver Jubilee with Technophilia 2, a technical exhibition showcasing students’ innovative projects and practical skills.
Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri who attended the event as the chief guest called for a shift from textbook based education to skill-oriented learning through labs, workshops and real world projects from day one. With knowledge easily available through digital platforms and AI, he said practical competence is what industry now demands and curricula must be updated regularly.
Citing textile design and automobile engineering, he urged students to master practical expertise like garment pattern making and adapt to emerging technologies like electric vehicles through prototypes and experimentation. On architectural assistantship, he stressed blending traditional aesthetics with modern design suited to Meghalaya’s terrain and heavy rainfall, with sloping roofs and proper drainage.
He also called for strong industry collaboration and asked the institute to explore consultancy projects and infrastructure design under internal revenue generation, including collaboration with the Deputy Commissioner for upcoming government projects.
Directorate of Higher and Technical Education Joint Director (Technical) FBS Ramsiej stressed modernising labs and developing it into a centre of excellence while Deputy Director (General) F Rumnong highlighted vocational and multidisciplinary learning under NEP 2020 and proposed a hub spoke model between technical and general institutions for skill-based courses.
Earlier, Mantri inaugurated the exhibition, inspected the exhibits and interacted with students on their innovations.
