JICA Delegation Visits Central University of Gujarat to Boost Industry Linkages

Vadodara | Gujarat — A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited the Central University of Gujarat (CUG) on Friday. The delegation included Mr. Koyama Wataru, Deputy Assistant Director, South Asia Division-1, South Asia Department, JICA Headquarters; Mr. Ryotaro Sekine, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company, Tokyo Office; and Mr. Miyagawa Ryota, JICA India Office.

During the visit, the delegation held detailed discussions with faculty members and deans of various schools at the university on multiple topics, including the existing academic curricula, skill requirements of industries, and potential avenues for university–industry collaboration.

Prof. Sony Kunjappan, Coordinator of the JICA Program at CUG, stated that the program was organized under the guidance of the Government of India, with the objective of facilitating dialogue on university–industry collaboration and exploring future directions.

Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya, Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), CUG, mentioned that based on the preliminary study conducted by the delegation, a proposal will be prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Education and JICA to provide a concrete framework for university–industry collaboration.

The program was chaired by Prof. Sanjay Kumar Jha, Dean, School of National Security Studies, who emphasized the immense potential for cooperation and research between India and Japan, noting that JICA’s support would be instrumental in the progress and forward-looking growth of the university.