- Gear up for future challenges: Governor Prof. Balakista Reddy, Ravi Varma, and Malla Reddy underline role of education
Hyderabad: Sri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, on Friday urged higher education institutions to gear up for emerging challenges in the education sector and prepare younger generations to seize future opportunities.
He was inaugurating a day-long national conference on “India@2047: Role of Higher Education in Making India a Developed Nation”, organised by the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI) and hosted by MNR University.
“To achieve the dream of Viksit Bharat, higher education will undoubtedly play a central role. India already has one of the world’s largest higher education systems with more than 1,100 universities and nearly 35 million students. We must ensure quality, innovation, inclusivity, and global competitiveness,” the Governor said.
Highlighting the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he stressed the need for multidisciplinary learning, research, innovation, skill development, digital education, and internationalisation of curricula. He also identified five focus areas for universities: global competitiveness, skill development and employability, equity and inclusivity, research and innovation, and value-based education.
The Governor observed that Hyderabad has set a “shining example” by leveraging education, technology, and innovation to emerge as a global hub of knowledge and growth.
MNR University Chancellor, Manthena Ravi Varma, in his welcome address, described universities as “hubs of nation-building” and emphasised the importance of integrating “the topics of tomorrow into the curriculum of today.” He added: “We must also focus on access and equity. Marginalised communities and women must have equal opportunities.”
Chairman of Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth, Ch. Malla Reddy said India can convert the world’s pressing challenges into opportunities by focusing on youth, technology, and skills. “A complete overhaul of the education system and curricula is essential to tap international opportunities,” he observed.
EPSI President, Dr. M.R. Jayaram, informed that the Society has submitted a White Paper to the Government of India to help realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education, emphasised that the coming two decades would be critical for India’s transformation. He urged academic leaders to understand the law, the Constitution, and WTO provisions to remain globally competitive. “Affordability, quality, and innovation should be the guiding principles for universities,” he stressed.
The conference featured two technical sessions – “Re-imagining Indian Higher Education for Global Competitiveness” and “Empowering Institutions for India@2047” – which saw enthusiastic participation from Vice-Chancellors, academic leaders, and policy experts.
Among others who addressed the gathering were EPSI Alternate President Dr. H. Chaturvedi, Senior Vice President Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Vice President Dr. Sekar Viswanathan, and Secretary P.Palanivel.
