First from J&K: Dr Parikshat Manhas to Head National Edu-Communication Consortium

Jammu: “Quality content, technology modernisation and inclusive learning will be our driving goals,” said Dr Parikshat Singh Manhas after being appointed Director of the Consortium for Educational Communication under the University Grants Commission for a five-year term. He is the first academic from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected for the post, which he will soon assume. The appointment was announced on Monday. He will succeed Prof Jagat Bhushan Nadda.
The appointment positions Dr Manhas at the forefront of India’s digital higher education transformation as the CEC advances the National Education Policy-2020 agenda promoting technology-enabled and globally aligned learning. The consortium plays a crucial role in developing SWAYAM MOOCs, generating digital teaching content and expanding ICT-supported academic outreach.
Dr Manhas, Professor in The Business School and School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Jammu, brings over two decades of experience in higher education leadership, research and curriculum innovation. His earlier roles include Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education and Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training, steering reforms in school education in the region.
Known internationally for his work in virtual collaborative environments, sustainable tourism, destination branding and educational development, he has held roles with the UN World Tourism Organization, including Co-LeWillader of its Tourism and Culture Synergies Working Group and Regional Director for Asia and Eastern Europe at the World Centre of Excellence for Destinations. He has also served as Visiting Professor in Russia, Hungary, Peru and Malaysia, contributing to academic partnerships and global knowledge exchange.
Outlining his priorities, Dr Manhas said the CEC under his leadership would focus on stronger institutional collaborations, outreach to underserved learners and creation of future-ready digital learning resources aligned with global standards.