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From: Architexturez-IN <admin-in@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:29:24 +0530
Press Release no. 43/07
IITB designated as “Knowledge Heritage Centre”
12 December 2007 - The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) is
to receive the special designation of “Knowledge Heritage Centre” from
UNESCO New Delhi Office, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization, on the occasion of IITB’s Golden Jubilee.
The designation will be conferred on 12th December 2007 at a signing
ceremony in New Delhi between Ms. Minja Yang, Director of the UNESCO New
Delhi Office, and Prof. Ashok Misra, Director of IITB. It recognises
IITB’s contribution in creating a knowledge society and its rich
knowledge heritage.
“UNESCO promotes international cooperation and serves as a clearinghouse
for the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge,
particularly in education and the natural sciences,” said Ms. Yang.
“IITB was originally established with the cooperation and participation
of UNESCO, and over the past 50 years it has grown in stature as an
institution of national importance and a leader in higher education,
research and training. UNESCO is delighted to renew and strengthen its
partnership with IITB.”
Prof. Misra said that the agreement to be signed on 12th December
“commits IITB and UNESCO New Delhi Office to strengthening knowledge and
innovation, with a special focus on supporting sustained and inclusive
growth in Indian society. Included in the agreement are joint
activities in promoting traditional technology and renewable energy for
people-focused, sustainable development.”
“Fostering human and institutional capacities to improve security
through sustainable development is a core mission of UNESCO,” Ms. Yang
explained. “These are crucial issues for India as much as for any
country. We are pleased that IITB, as a leader in creating a knowledge
society, takes these responsibilities seriously, and we look forward to
collaborating on programmes to address emerging environmental challenges
and raise awareness about climate change.” IITB will contribute a
revolving fund of Rs. 10 lakhs for the activities to be undertaken under
the agreement, and both sides have pledged to cooperate to generate
further resources nationally and internationally.
Prof. Misra pointed out that both IITB and UNESCO work through academic
and research collaborations with national and international
universities, governments and industries to meet the immediate needs of
society.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. S. A. Rozovsky, Counsellor,
Embassy of the Russian Federation, Prof. M. G. K. Menon, past Chairman
of the Board of Governors of IIT Bombay, Mr. Ravi Mathur, Jt. Secretary
in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, and Mr. Sanjay Narayen,
Honorary Adviser to IIT Bombay, who originally came up with the proposal
and has been the force behind it."
UNESCO’s New Delhi Office, which was established in 1948, operates
programmes to strengthen science and technology, including ecological
and earth sciences for sustainable development.