Vice president of India, shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, inaugurated the National Conference of Vice Chancellors, organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), at Amity University, Noida, from 23–24 June 2025. The conference, themed “Envisioning Future Higher Education: The Pivotal Role of India”, also marks the centenary year of AIU.

In his address, shri Dhankhar praised Amity University for its global achievements and lauded AIU on completing 99 years. Reflecting on India’s constitutional evolution, he underscored the significance of the abrogation of Article 370 and highlighted the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah in this context.

He emphasised that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has reshaped India’s education landscape by promoting inclusivity and aligning with the country’s civilisational ethos. “Education is the greatest equaliser,” he stated, adding that universities must evolve into centres of innovation and dialogue rather than mere degree-granting institutions.

Calling for India to become a global leader in education, he stressed the need for world-class institutions in emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, climate technology, and digital ethics. “Education is not just a public good but a strategic national asset,” he added.

Dr Ashok K. Chauhan, founder president of Amity Education Group, expressed gratitude to the vice president and reiterated the conference’s significance for transforming higher education. AIU president Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak highlighted India’s exponential growth in education infrastructure, research, and innovation over the last decade.

During the inaugural session, shri Dhankhar planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative. The event also featured a special address by Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi on “Promoting Nationalism in HEIs”.

Attended by over 500 Vice Chancellors from across India, the two-day conference includes plenary sessions on globalisation and internationalisation, and 10 parallel sessions on themes such as emerging technologies, AI integration, cybersecurity, sustainable campuses, and experiential learning.

A comprehensive University Action Plan will be developed based on the conference outcomes and shared with Governors, ministries, and regulatory bodies for policy-level action to ensure India’s higher education remains globally competitive and future-ready.

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