AIU Hosts Vice Chancellors Meet At Amity University
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The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is celebrating 100 years of its rich legacy in Indian higher education by organising a landmark ‘National Conference of Vice Chancellors’. The event, hosted at Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP), Noida, aims to shape the future trajectory of the Indian education system through a collective vision. Themed ‘Envisioning Future Higher Education: The Pivotal Role of India’, the two-day conference is witnessing the convergence of over 500 vice chancellors, policymakers, and academic leaders from across the country and abroad.
The inaugural session was graced by the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who highlighted the need for transformational reforms in higher education to keep pace with the evolving global landscape. On this momentous occasion, he unveiled a commemorative Coffee Table Book that chronicles AIU’s century-long contribution to Indian academia. The session also saw the presence of Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President of the Amity Education Group, who welcomed dignitaries and reiterated Amity’s commitment to nation-building through quality education.
The conference serves as a historic moment not just for AIU, but for India’s higher education ecosystem at large. Founded nearly a century ago, AIU has played a pivotal role in academic dialogue, fostering collaboration among institutions and advocating for policy reforms. With a membership of 1086 universities—including 19 international members—AIU today stands as a symbol of unity, excellence, and forward-looking educational strategies.
A key highlight of the conference is the participation of leading national bodies including the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and National Digital Skilling Council (NDSC). Around 300 vice chancellors are attending the event in person, while 200 are participating virtually, making it a truly hybrid and inclusive forum.
Speaking at the curtain-raiser press briefing, AIU Secretary General Pankaj Mittal described the conference as a milestone event that reaffirms India’s position as a global education hub. “This year’s theme encapsulates our ambition of positioning India as a world leader in higher education, innovation, and sustainable development. The presence of the Vice President and other eminent personalities validates AIU’s role in shaping the country’s academic future,” she said.
The conference features two major plenary sessions, centred on ‘Globalisation and Internationalisation’ and ‘Envisioning Future Higher Education: The Pivotal Role of India’. These sessions are set to explore how Indian institutions can adapt to global trends, strengthen academic collaborations, and contribute to the global knowledge economy.
In addition to the plenary sessions, the conference includes 10 parallel tracks on diverse topics ranging from ‘Integrating Emerging Technologies like AI’ and ‘Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Learning Process’ to ‘Cyber Security and Data Privacy in Higher Education’. Other thematic areas include ‘Innovative Assessment Methods and Experiential Learning’ and ‘Creating Green and Sustainable Campuses’, reflecting the multi-dimensional approach AIU is adopting to address the complexities of modern education.
Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Amity University, underlined the need to align higher education goals with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat@2047. She emphasised the importance of integrating industry collaborations, technology, inclusivity, and entrepreneurship into the curriculum. “This conference is not just a celebration but a commitment to build an education system that is robust, inclusive, and future-ready,” she stated.
Vinay Kumar Pathak, President of AIU, called the event a defining moment in Indian education, stressing that “it’s time to boldly shape the future of Indian higher education through collective action, innovation, and visionary leadership.”
The most anticipated outcome of the conference is the formulation of a comprehensive University Action Plan. This roadmap will offer practical recommendations on pressing areas such as technological integration, green campus initiatives, innovative teaching methodologies, and inclusive education policies. These outcomes will be compiled into a final policy paper titled “Future of Higher Education”, which will be shared with governors of states, the University Grants Commission (UGC), AICTE, NAAC, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), and other apex regulatory bodies for consideration and implementation.
The conference is expected to set the tone for future educational reforms by encouraging stronger collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), embracing digital transformation, and reinforcing India’s leadership in global education. As India positions itself for the centenary of independence in 2047, AIU’s 100-year celebration through this conference is both symbolic and strategic—offering a unified vision for higher education that is equitable, sustainable, and globally competitive.
The event will conclude with a valedictory session, where Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel is expected to release a special issue of the AIU University News. This publication will capture the key deliberations, insights, and recommendations from the conference, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indian higher education.