Higher education key to social, economic progress: Governor

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday emphasised that higher education remained the strongest pillar of social and economic advancement, urging universities to prioritise quality learning, research excellence and innovation-driven growth.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Conference of Vice-Chancellors of North Indian Universities held at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, the Governor said institutions were increasingly competing at the global level, making it imperative for universities to equip students with future-ready skills, updated knowledge systems and the ability to tackle emerging international challenges.

He underscored the need for continuous curriculum reform aligned with global developments, remarking that the curriculum shaped the character and capability of citizens and must empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to holistic societal development.

Appreciating the LPU’s contribution over the past two decades, he said the university had significantly raised the benchmark of higher education in the region. Earlier, LPU Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Ashok Mittal welcomed the participants and highlighted that over 100 Vice-Chancellors and academic leaders from North India are deliberating on critical themes expected to reshape the higher education landscape.

He stated that the sessions aimed to strengthen academic collaboration and position the region to meet future challenges effectively. The Governor was received by Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Gaurav Toora, and senior officials, including MC Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta and SP Madhvi Sharma.The North Zone Vice-Chancellors’ Meet 2025–26, organised under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), focused on the theme “Integrating Traditional Wisdom in Curriculum and Research.”

The discussions centred on embedding India’s ancient knowledge systems into contemporary higher education through curriculum innovation, inter-disciplinary research and technology-enabled capacity building.

The conference is expected to conclude with a commitment statement and the formation of collaborative groups to drive future initiatives.

Addressing a gathering, the Governor highlighted India’s historic role as a global knowledge hub and noted that traditional systems such as Ayurveda and early scientific thought continue to offer solutions to modern-day challenges.

He stressed that education must nurture values, character and inclusivity, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder deserving students. LPU founder chancellor Mittal described the meet as a convergence of collective academic wisdom aimed at evolving an education system that was globally competitive yet firmly rooted in India’s identity.

AIU president and CSJM University Vice-Chancellor Vinay Kumar Pathak called for stronger academic-industry-technology integration and advocated a shift from “Made in India” to “Made by India” to build technological self-reliance.

The conference was attended by AIU secretary general Dr Pankaj Mittal, LPU Pro-Chancellor Rashmi Mittal, Vice-Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Loviraj Gupta, along with Vice-Chancellors, faculty members and student representatives.

Hosted by Lovely Professional University, the meet marked a significant step toward shaping a transformative academic ecosystem that bridges India’s knowledge heritage with future-oriented higher education.