LPU has signed 11 MoUs with International and National Universities of six countries in a single day. These MoUs are to lead a consortium of universities to research sports education in Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India, under the Erasmus plus project of the European Commission. These are aimed at capacity building in the field of sports, physiotherapy, and physical education through research and community development. The group of universities and institutions will also research models and strategies followed for imparting sports education at different levels of education. MoU signing ceremony and meeting with EU-SPIRIT partners was held via Zoom Meetings.
The true spirit of Erasmus+ SPIRIT project was aptly visible in the address made by LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal. Congratulating all team members participating from different universities, Chancellor Mittal expressed his happiness on working together on the prestigious project and invoked all to justify the project by handling it in a joint and unique manner. Mr Mittal anticipated that the project will help provide a boost to sports and physiotherapy. He also wished to receive all of the team members at LPU campus in an apt course of time.
Prior to this, commencing the meet, Head of the Division of International Affairs at LPU, Additional Director Aman Mittal introduced the project to all participating members. He briefed that the Erasmus (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) programme is an EU funded programme that organises student exchanges. He further elaborated that the project to work on in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka is ‘sports and physical education as a vehicle for inclusion & recognition’.
Speaking about ‘Project Expectations’, Rector Prof Philippos Pouyioutas from the University of Nicosia mentioned the project as a uniform platform to make all partners learn many new lessons. Vice-Chancellor Prof RMUSK Rathnayake from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka talked about ‘SPIRIT’ contribution in higher education and laid importance on research works for the project. Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) M.M. Salunkhe from Bharati Vidyapeeth (Pune) talked about ‘Contribution in Community Health’ and appreciated the spirit of international harmony for all countries through this project. He also liked such unique engagements in education. LPU’s Registrar & Senior Dean Dr Monica Gulati, Executive Dean Prof Dr Dharam Buddhi, Deputy Director Supriya Matthews and Prof Dr Suresh Mani convened the meeting.
Led by LPU, the 11 universities/institutions of six countries that are a part of the consortium include one each from Spain, Portugal & Cyprus- Universitat Politecnica De Valencia, Universidade De Lisboa and University of Nicosia respectively. Three are from Indonesia- Insititut Pertanian Bogor, Syiah Kuala University, and Univeristas Sumatera Utara. Two are from Sri Lanka-The Sabaragamuwa University and University of Peradeniya. Three are included from India- Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Edulab Educational Exchange, and Bangalore Educational Trust.
