Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Managing Director (MD) – FDDI visited the Tomas Bata University (TBU) in Zlin, Czech Republic from 10th to 12th June 2024 and meet Mr. Petr Sáha, Director of the Footwear Research Centre (FRC) at TBU who invited him.
The other member of the delegation from FDDI were Mr. Deepak Choudhary, Sr. Faculty, School of Footwear Design & Production (FDP) and Mr. PSA Deepak, Assistant Manager.
The purpose of the visit of the delegation was to get a deep insight into the advanced research, technological capabilities, and innovative educational approaches at TBU.
During their visit, detailed meetings were held featuring university officials, including Assoc. Prof. Milan Adámek, Rector, and doc. Ing. Marek Kubalčík, Vice Rector of the University. They provided an insightful presentation about TBU.
MD-FDDI also presented a brief introduction to FDDI during these sessions, attended by Deputy Ambassador Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty from the Embassy of India in Prague.
The delegation was guided on a tour of Tomas Bata's Villa by Ms. Gabriela Knocitikova, who shared historical and cultural insights about the Villa. They also visited the Shoemaking Museum, renowned for its extensive collection spanning over a thousand exhibits and illuminates the legacy of the Baťa company (1884–1945).
Meetings were conducted with Mr. Radim Holiš, the Zlin Governor, and Mr. Jiří Korec, the Zlin Mayor, at their respective offices that focused on strengthening academic collaborations, promoting joint research and development initiatives, and bolstering support for the footwear industry. Additionally, the potential for facilitating international student placements and exchanges were explored during these productive sessions.
The delegation visited FRC, Centre of Polymer Systems (CPS), Faculty of Multimedia Communications (FMC) Technology Innovation Centre (TIC).
Research at CPS focuses on areas such as plastics and rubber processing, nanomaterials, biodegradable polymers, antimicrobial modifications, magneto/electroactive systems, coatings, polymer electronics, sensors, and biomaterials for medical applications. During the discussions, the MD - FDDI also briefed the attendees on India's New Education Policy and how a collaborative Ph.D. program could be implemented at FDDI in partnership with TBU.
At FMC, the delegation explored the Shoe Design Studio and Fashion Design Studio and met with the faculty members, showcasing the university's creative and innovative efforts. At TIC, the officials of TBU briefed the delegation on the latest technological advancements.
