Jeypore, 18 July 2026: In a significant step towards advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled higher education and implementing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Vikram Dev University (VDU), Jeypore, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) to collaborate in the areas of AI, digital transformation, faculty development, skill enhancement, employability, research, innovation, and industry-academia partnerships.
The MoU, signed on behalf of OKCL by its Managing Director, Dr. Manoranjan Puthal, reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting Higher Education Institutions across Odisha through AI-enabled learning ecosystems, capacity building, digital skilling, internship facilitation, and institutional excellence.
The MoU signing ceremony was followed by a One-Day AI Capacity Building Workshop attended by the Principals of affiliated colleges of Vikram Dev University.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Hrushikesh Senapaty, Vice-Chancellor, Vikram Dev University, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping higher education and urged academic leaders to adopt AI-driven technologies for improving teaching, learning, research, and institutional governance.
Welcoming the participants, Mr. Maheswar Chandra Naik, Registrar, emphasized the importance of the collaboration with OKCL in building digitally empowered and future-ready educational institutions. Sri Ranjan Kumar Pradhan, Controller of Examinations, spoke on the growing relevance of AI in examination reforms, academic administration, and quality assurance.
The technical sessions were conducted by Mr. Susant J. Das, Senior Program Manager & Network Head, OKCL, and Mr. Niladri Bihari Ray, Senior Manager, OKCL. The resource persons demonstrated the practical applications of leading AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, NotebookLM, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity AI, Gamma AI, and Canva AI, highlighting their use in academic administration, teaching, research, documentation, content creation, and institutional productivity.
The workshop received an enthusiastic response from the participating Principals, who appreciated the hands-on demonstrations and practical insights into leveraging AI for institutional excellence and improved administrative efficiency.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Prasanta Kumar Patra, Chairman, P.G. Council, who expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, dignitaries, resource persons, OKCL, and all participants for making the programme a grand success.
The event was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Braja Bandhu Nanda, Assistant Professor (Chemistry) and Coordinator, Career Counselling and Placement Cell, whose efforts ensured the smooth conduct of both the MoU signing ceremony and the AI Capacity Building Workshop.
The collaboration between Vikram Dev University and OKCL is expected to accelerate digital transformation across the University’s affiliated colleges and contribute significantly towards building an AI-enabled, future-ready higher education ecosystem in Odisha.