Institution in focus: Centurion University of Technology and Management

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February 2016

Each newsletter we hope to bring you a focus on institutions that the Education and Research Team visit. First in the series is the recent visit of Counsellor (Education and Research) Dr Amanda Day and First Secretary Mr Ben Sakker Kellyto Centurion University. Dr Day and Mr Sakker Kelly visited the Paralakhemundi and Bhubaneswar campuses and were both very impressed with the skill development model linked to industry partnerships. During the visit, the Indian Minister for Skills and Entrepreneurship, Sri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, led a delegation of 25 Member of Parliament o examine how the Centurion model can be expanded nationally.

Centurion University is a truly unique institutionFounded in 2005 by a group of ambitious professionals having aspirations to take it to the pinnacle of quality education, nationally and internationally, its first project was the takeover of a failing engineering college in rural Odisha. The area of Paralakhemundieis one of India’spoorest districts.

In 2016 Centurion has five campuses at Paralakhemundi, Bhubaneswar, Bolangir, Rayagada, Jatni and Chatrapur offering B. Tech., MBA, +2 Science, ITI, Primary and Secondary Education in addition to Skill and Vocational Training and Social Entrepreneurship initiatives.

Through Gram Tarang, Centurion University was one of the first partners to National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to set up over 50 Skill Training and Capacity Building Centres across the country. They have entered into partnerships with the Government of Odisha, the Government of India and non-government agencies to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for thousands of rural students. The school of vocational education and training, Gram Tarang, is one of the major skill providers in India. The University students and faculty all participate in action learning and hands on practical experience through the Gram Tarang outreach organisations.

There is also a strong connection between Centurion and Australia. The university’s President, Professor Mukti Mishra, is an Australian permanent resident who studied in Australia. Like many of his current students, he came from a village in Orissa to build a successful corporate career before devoting his life to Centurion and its mission.

He has ensured that Australia’s DNA is present in Centurion, with partnerships involving Sport Education and Development Australia (SEDA), Deakin University, the University of Southern Queensland and TAFE NSW Western Institute. The Australian Government has also supported Centurion’s Urban Micro Business Centre through the Department of Foreign Affairs Direct Aid Program, and the establishment of sports education at the campus through the Australian Sports Outreach Program.

Centurion is always interested in new partnerships with Australian higher education and vocational providers.