A proposal to restructure the Institute of Mathematics and Applications (IMA), Bhubaneswar as a Centre of Excellence is being considered, said Minister of Science and Technology Ashok Chandra Panda while speaking in a programme marking the IMA’s 23rd foundation day on Friday.
The institute has ample advantages like qualified faculty, quality teaching, and infrastructure with 24X7 WiFi and a well-equipped library to restructure it as a Centre of Excellence for studies and research in the fields of mathematics, statistics and finance, he said.
Panda said mathematics teachers working in the 5-T Transformed Schools would undergo orientation and refresher courses at the IMA. He also said the ISRO has been intimated to conduct a "Space on Wheel" programme at the IMA.
He suggested that the IMA provide consultancy to user industry and render technical advice to the Government and other institutions.
Guest speakers Prof G Das, Prof BP Acharya and Prof Swadhin Pattnaik emphasised on the importance of mathematics and its applications in social life. They advised the students to be more enthusiastic to investigate into India's mathematics traditions.
The Minister felicitated the guests along with Prof Sudarshan Barik for their remarkable contributions in the growth of IMA. IMA Director Prof Yasobanta Jena, who presided over the programme, suggested autonomous governance structure (Deemed to be University/State University status) for the institute, creation of new courses like Computer Science, Physical Science, etc.