Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University

युवा शक्ति, कौशल शिक्षा और उद्योग जगत को जोड़ने की एक और पहल!

माननीय कुलगुरु प्रो. अमी उपाध्याय के मार्गदर्शन में डॉ. बाबासाहेब आंबेडकर ओपन यूनिवर्सिटी द्वारा NCVET मान्य "टाइल डिज़ाइन एवं डिजिटल प्रिंटिंग" (NSQF Level-4) पाठ्यक्रम का शुभारंभ।

• भारत के अग्रणी सिरेमिक उद्योग से जुड़ने का अवसर
• उद्योग विशेषज्ञों का मार्गदर्शन
• आधुनिक तकनीकों का प्रशिक्षण
• रोजगारोन्मुख कौशल
• सिरेमिक और टाइल उद्योग की आवश्यकताओं के अनुरूप कौशल विकास
• आधुनिक डिज़ाइन एवं डिजिटल प्रिंटिंग तकनीकें
• उद्योग आधारित प्रशिक्षण (OJT)
• रोजगार एवं स्वरोजगार के नए अवसर



Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay

યુનિવર્સિટી પરિસરમાં 'एक पेड़ माँ के नाम' અભિયાન અંતર્ગત વૃક્ષારોપણ કાર્યક્રમ યોજાયો

5 જૂન, 'વિશ્વ પર્યાવરણ દિન'ના ઉપલક્ષ્યમાં ડૉ. બાબાસાહેબ આંબેડકર યુનિવર્સિટી પરિવાર દ્વારા પ્રકૃતિના સંવર્ધન હેતુ એક પ્રેરણાદાયક પહેલ હાથ ધરવામાં આવી. માનનીય વડાપ્રધાનશ્રી દ્વારા પ્રારંભાયેલા રાષ્ટ્રવ્યાપી અભિયાન 'एक पेड़ माँ के नाम' અંતર્ગત, યુનિવર્સિટીનાં કુલગુરુ પ્રો. અમી ઉપાધ્યાયના માર્ગદર્શન હેઠળ પરિસરમાં વૃક્ષારોપણ કાર્યક્રમ યોજાયો. પરિપત્ર ક્રમાંક F.NO:1/1-2024ના આદેશોનું પાલન કરીને તેમજ ચાલુ વર્ષની વૈશ્વિક થીમ "Inspired by nature. For climate. For our future."ને ચરિતાર્થ કરવાના ઉદ્દેશથી આ કાર્ય કરવામાં આવ્યું.

આ કાર્યક્રમમાં યુનિવર્સિટીનાં કુલગુરુ પ્રો. અમી ઉપાધ્યાયની સાથે શહેરનાં કૉર્પોરેટરશ્રીઓ શ્રી નંદુભાઈ પટેલ, શ્રીમતી રાજેશ્રીબેન અને શ્રી ભૂપેન્દ્રભાઈ તથા ડૉ. બિંદુબેન વિશેષ રૂપે ઉપસ્થિત રહ્યાં હતાં. ઉપરાંત કાર્યકારી કુલસચિવશ્રી, તમામ નિયામકશ્રીઓ, શૈક્ષણિક અને બિનશૈક્ષણિક સ્ટાફના સભ્યો દ્વારા પરિસરના વિભિન્ન ભાગોમાં વિવિધ પ્રજાતિના રોપાઓનું વાવેતર કરવામાં આવ્યું. પ્રત્યેક કર્મચારીએ પોતાની માતાના સન્માનમાં તથા ભાવિ પેઢીના સુરક્ષિત ભવિષ્યની નેમ સાથે આ અભિયાનમાં સક્રિય સહભાગિતા નોંધાવી હતી.

"પર્યાવરણનું આપણે જતન કરીશું, તો પર્યાવરણ આપણું જતન કરશે" — આ ઉક્તિને કેન્દ્રમાં રાખીને, કાર્યક્રમના અંતે માત્ર વૃક્ષ વાવવા પૂરતું સીમિત ન રહેતાં, રોપાયેલ પ્રત્યેક છોડ યોગ્ય સંવર્ધન પામે તે માટે તેનું જતન અને ઉછેર કરવાનો દૃઢ સંકલ્પ કરવામાં આવ્યો હતો.

કુલગુરુશ્રીના કુશળ નેતૃત્વ હેઠળ સંપન્ન થયેલો આ કાર્યક્રમ યુનિવર્સિટીના પર્યાવરણીય અને સામાજિક ઉત્તરદાયિત્વનું એક ઉત્કૃષ્ટ ઉદાહરણ બની રહ્યો. એક્સટેન્શન સેલ કૉ-ઓર્ડિનેટર ડૉ. નીતુ કનારા તથા વહીવટી વિભાગ દ્વારા સમગ્ર કાર્યક્રમનું સુચારુ આયોજન કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું.




Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay

Protecting our oceans is protecting the lifeblood of Earth! 🌊💙

On this World Oceans Day, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) calls upon everyone to pledge toward preserving marine ecosystems and preventing ocean pollution. Let let us unite to safeguard our blue planet and its incredible marine life for a sustainable future. 🐋🐢✨



Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay

🌏 BIMSTEC Conference 2026 Concludes with a Shared Vision for Regional Cooperation

The two-day International Conference on “Strengthening BIMSTEC’s Role in Connectivity, Culture and Cooperation,” jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the BIMSTEC Secretariat, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), concluded at Gift City Club, Gandhinagar.

The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Hon’ble Education Minister of Gujarat; Dr. Hemang Joshi, Member of Parliament; Ambassador Preeti Saran; Dr. K. K. Khandelwal, Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides; Shri Sugandh Kumar Rajaram, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and BIMSTEC National Coordinator; Prof. Ami Upadhyay, Vice Chancellor, BAOU; and Dr. Bhavin Trivedi, Registrar, BAOU.

Dr. Pradyuman Vaja, Hon’ble Education Minister of Gujarat, emphasized that education is the most powerful instrument of social transformation and stated that the future of BIMSTEC cooperation will be shaped by students, teachers, entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions. Dr. Hemang Joshi, Member of Parliament, highlighted the Bay of Bengal as a bridge of civilizations and called upon BIMSTEC nations to move from dialogue to delivery, from connectivity to community, and from shared geography to a shared destiny through youth-driven regional development. Ambassador Preeti Saran underscored BIMSTEC’s growing role as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, highlighting progress in connectivity, trade, energy, disaster management and digital cooperation, while describing the grouping as a model for inclusive development and collective security.

On the occasion, Dr. Pradyuman Vaja unveiled BAOU’s new course, “India and BIMSTEC: Strategy, Diplomacy & Regional Cooperation (CCIB).”

Presenting the conference report, Prof. Ami Upadhyay emphasized the need for establishing a BIMSTEC Research Centre and a Knowledge Lab at BAOU, highlighting BIMSTEC as a civilizational partnership beyond an economic grouping. She noted that recommendations emerging from the conference, along with BAOU’s growing engagement with BIMSTEC member nations and expanding international collaborations, would help position the University as a key knowledge partner in the region and take BAOU to the international level.

The conference served as a significant platform for advancing regional cooperation, cultural exchange, education, connectivity and sustainable development, reaffirming the shared commitment of BIMSTEC member nations towards a more connected, inclusive and prosperous future.

Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay

🌏 Plenary Session VI | Education, Human Development & Future Workforce

The final plenary session of the International Conference on “Strengthening BIMSTEC’s Role in Connectivity, Culture and Cooperation” explored how education, skills, innovation and academic mobility can shape the future of the BIMSTEC region. Chaired by Prof. Nageshwar Rao, the session brought together experts from Thailand, Sri Lanka and India to discuss workforce readiness, public health collaboration, digital transformation and educational exchanges.

🔹 Dr. Soontharee Namliwal (Thailand) emphasized industry-linked education, future-ready skills, lifelong learning and stronger BIMSTEC cooperation on human capital development.

🔹 Dr. Kamlesh Upadhyaya (India) highlighted the need for regional health security through disease surveillance networks, rapid-response health teams, pharmaceutical cooperation and climate-health initiatives.

🔹 Prof. Rajat M***a (India) focused on digital workforce transformation, advocating AI literacy, digital public infrastructure, curriculum reforms and workforce upskilling in the age of artificial intelligence.

🔹 Dr. B. Shadrach (India) called for enhanced educational exchanges through university alliances, scholarship programmes, credit transfer systems and mutual recognition of qualifications across BIMSTEC nations.

🔹 Prof. S. O. Junare (India) underscored the importance of academic mobility, joint degree programmes, research collaborations and capacity building in emerging areas such as cybersecurity, AI and forensic sciences.

The session concluded with a collective vision for a skilled, innovative and interconnected BIMSTEC region, driven by collaboration in education, research and human development. 🌐📚

Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay

The fifth plenary session of the International Conference on Strengthening BIMSTEC’s Role in Connectivity, Culture and Cooperation brought together distinguished experts to deliberate on sustainability, climate resilience, food security, and the immense potential of the Blue Economy.
The session commenced with insightful remarks by the Chair, who emphasized sustainability as a strategic pillar for BIMSTEC cooperation and highlighted the growing importance of the Blue Economy in fostering regional development.
🇧🇹 Ms. Dezome (Bhutan) discussed Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Sustainable BIMSTEC Growth, stressing climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and regional cooperation for addressing environmental challenges.
🇲🇲 Ms. Thi Thi Myinth (Myanmar) spoke on Food Security through Cross-Border Agricultural Innovation, highlighting the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technology to ensure sustainable and resilient food systems.
🇮🇳 Shri Ashok Mondal presented a community-centred approach to development, drawing inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of self-reliance, local ownership, and grassroots empowerment.
🌊 Shri Binay Kumar Singh explored Blue Economy Opportunities for Joint Development, emphasizing maritime connectivity, sustainable use of marine resources, and the shared prosperity of the Bay of Bengal region.
⚓ Ms. Priti Saran, IFS (Retd.) addressed Marine Resources Governance in BIMSTEC, underlining the need for effective ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, and regional policy coordination.
The session reaffirmed that climate resilience, food security, community participation, marine governance, and the Blue Economy are interconnected pathways towards a sustainable and prosperous BIMSTEC future.

Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay

Plenary Session IV: Peace & Regional Cooperation
As part of the International BIMSTEC Conference on “Strengthening BIMSTEC's Role in Connectivity, Culture and Cooperation”, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University hosted an engaging Plenary Session on Peace & Regional Cooperation, chaired by Hon. Justice Soniaben Gokani, former Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court.
The session explored critical dimensions of peacebuilding and stability in the Bay of Bengal, security cooperation among BIMSTEC countries, women in culture and community leadership, women's role in regional cooperation, and community-led approaches to peacebuilding.

In her opening remarks, Justice Gokani emphasized the importance of peace, inclusion, social justice, and women's leadership in building resilient and harmonious societies. Drawing upon Gandhian philosophy and global experiences, she highlighted the need for empathy, dialogue, and collective responsibility in addressing contemporary challenges.

Ms. Anzul B. Jhan (Sri Lanka) spoke on Peacebuilding and Stability in the Bay of Bengal, underscoring trust as the foundation of regional cooperation. She described the Bay of Bengal as a shared civilizational space and stressed that peace is strengthened through collaboration, mutual respect, and people-to-people engagement.

Ms. Farhana Ahmed Chowdhury (Bangladesh) addressed Security Cooperation among BIMSTEC Countries, emphasizing that security and development are deeply interconnected. She highlighted the need for collaborative efforts in addressing terrorism, cyber threats, trafficking, and other transnational challenges while adopting a people-centric approach to security.

Mr. Kazi Rakib Hossain (Bangladesh) discussed emerging regional challenges including cyber security, water security, climate change, and public health cooperation. He advocated innovative regional solutions and greater youth participation in shaping a secure and sustainable BIMSTEC future.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (India) delivered an insightful address on Women in Culture and Community Leadership. Drawing from the shared civilizational heritage of the BIMSTEC region, he highlighted culture as a unifying force and emphasized the importance of gender justice, equality of dignity and opportunity, and community leadership in fostering social harmony and regional cooperation.

Dr. Nisha Pandey (India) spoke on Women's Role in Regional Cooperation, presenting women as leaders, innovators, cultural custodians, and architects of sustainable civilizations. She highlighted the contributions of women in preserving cultural heritage, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening communities, and advancing regional development.

Shri Mittalben Patel (India) shared powerful grassroots perspectives on Community Leadership for Peacebuilding. Drawing from her extensive work with marginalized communities, she emphasized dialogue, inclusion, neighbourhood cooperation, and citizen-led initiatives as essential foundations for lasting peace.

In her concluding remarks, Justice Soniaben Gokani eloquently connected the session's deliberations on peace, security, culture, women's leadership, and social transformation. Reflecting on Gandhian values, the Bhagavad Gita, and civilizational wisdom, she reminded participants that meaningful regional cooperation begins with inner transformation, empathy, and a commitment to becoming the change we wish to see in the world.

The session reaffirmed BIMSTEC's shared commitment to building a future rooted in trust, cooperation, cultural understanding, inclusion, and sustainable peace.

Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay Yatin Patel Jayesh Patel

The third plenary session of the BIMSTEC International Conference focused on the theme "Cultural Diplomacy & Knowledge Exchange", highlighting the role of shared heritage, cultural traditions, knowledge systems, and people-to-people connectivity in strengthening regional cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.

Chairing the session, Prof. Ashok Mondal (India) emphasized that cultural diplomacy serves as a powerful bridge for regional integration. He noted that shared food habits, traditions, and cultural practices create enduring bonds among societies and contribute significantly to global understanding and cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Lochan Rijal (Nepal) highlighted music as a living cultural heritage that connects communities across borders. He spoke about Nepal's efforts to preserve and rebuild its cultural assets, promote music research, and transform performing arts into avenues for education, employment, and regional collaboration.

Mr. Karma Nidup (Bhutan) discussed the importance of folk traditions and oral literature in preserving collective wisdom and promoting Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness. He emphasized that safeguarding stories, folklore, and cultural practices is essential for ensuring holistic well-being and transmitting universal values to future generations.

Dr. Bhagyesh Jha (India) reflected on the concept of Akhand Darshan and the shared civilizational heritage of BIMSTEC nations. He highlighted common philosophical traditions, educational linkages such as Nalanda, manuscripts, epigraphy, festivals, and epics that continue to unite societies across the Bay of Bengal region. Invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he emphasized the region's shared past, present, and future.

Shri Akhilesh Mishra (India) described culture as the soul of a nation and stressed that sustainable cooperation is rooted in mutual respect, responsibility, and understanding. Drawing from India's civilizational traditions, he noted that culture provides a way of seeing and understanding reality and remains central to connecting nations and peoples.

Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan (India) highlighted the relevance of ancient knowledge systems in addressing contemporary global challenges. He emphasized that the BIMSTEC region possesses immense intellectual and cultural capital and advocated greater collaboration in Ayurveda, Yoga, wellness diplomacy, and traditional knowledge systems to promote innovation, well-being, and regional development.

The session concluded with a shared understanding that cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, knowledge exchange, and wellness-based cooperation can serve as powerful pillars for building a more connected, resilient, and harmonious BIMSTEC community.



Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay Yatin Patel Jayesh Patel

The second plenary session of the International Conference on “Strengthening BIMSTEC's Role in Connectivity, Culture and Cooperation” focused on Trade and Tourism, highlighting their transformative role in fostering regional integration, economic growth, and people-to-people engagement across the BIMSTEC region.
Shri Siddhartha Dave emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the region, stating that “The Bay of Bengal is not an economic construct but a civilizational place.” Farhana Ahmed Chowdhury underscored the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation, expressing the vision of “Long Live the Spirit of BIMSTEC.”
Addressing the human dimension of development, Prof. Rajendra Kumar Anayath observed that “Spirituality is beyond religion,” highlighting shared values as a foundation for regional understanding. Prof. Sandeep Kulshreshtha emphasized the economic potential of tourism, describing “BIMSTEC Tourism as a Passport to Prosperity.”
Focusing on cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, Prof. Lochan Rijal spoke on the “Amalgamation of Music and Making Life Meaningful not as Entertainers but Conservationists,” stressing the importance of preserving cultural traditions. Ambassador Anil Trigunayat highlighted the role of Indian cinema in promoting tourism and strengthening cultural connections among BIMSTEC nations.
The session reaffirmed that trade, tourism, culture, and shared heritage can serve as powerful drivers of regional prosperity, cooperation, and sustainable development.



Ministry of Education
Education Department, Government of Gujarat
Ami Upadhyay
Yatin Patel Jayesh Patel