Bengaluru

Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Wednesday said that universities must take a leading role in promoting innovation aimed at solving key challenges in areas such as rural development, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.

Inaugurating the two-day South Zone Vice Chancellors’ Conference 2026, jointly organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and hosted by Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), the Governor stressed that India can emerge as an innovation-driven global power only if higher education institutions evolve into centres of entrepreneurship.

He emphasised the importance of equipping young people with exposure to emerging knowledge and technologies, enabling them to enhance their skills, pursue self-employment and make meaningful contributions to national growth.

Highlighting South India’s long-standing leadership in education, science and technology, Gehlot said cities like Bengaluru exemplify how innovation flourishes when academia, research and industry work in close coordination. He noted that such collaborative models must be replicated across the country.

The Governor said deliberations at the conference would focus on nurturing entrepreneurial thinking among students, establishing incubation and innovation centres, strengthening university-industry partnerships and leveraging education and technology for national development. Entrepreneurship, he added, should be viewed not only as a pathway to economic growth but also as a catalyst for social transformation, sustainability and inclusive progress.

Referring to the conference theme, “Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Higher Education Institutions”, Gehlot said higher education institutions must go beyond awarding degrees and serve as hubs of leadership, innovation and nation-building. With appropriate guidance and resources, he said, young minds can drive self-reliance, generate employment and deliver societal benefits. He called for renewed reflection on India’s role in shaping the future of higher education.

The Governor also commended Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences for creating a forward-looking academic ecosystem through research initiatives, innovative teaching practices, interdisciplinary learning and strong industry linkages, which he said provide students with opportunities for holistic development.

Addressing the gathering, RUAS Vice Chancellor Dr Kuldeep Kumar Raina said the conference was spread over two days, with Vice Chancellors sharing perspectives on the first day. He noted that more than 120 Vice Chancellors, senior academicians and education leaders from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Karnataka and Kerala participated in person, while around 100 attendees joined virtually.

AIU President Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak said higher education institutions must move beyond preparing students solely for employment and instead foster innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities. He said educationists bear the responsibility of nurturing such mindsets and added that the resolutions adopted at the conference would be submitted to the government for implementation.

AIU Secretary General Dr Pankaj Mittal and RUAS Registrar S Ashok Rao welcomed the dignitaries and participants at the event.

The valedictory session of the conference will be held on January 21 at 1 pm, with Ganeshan Kannabiran and Prof S R Niranjan, Vice Chairman of the Higher Education Council, attending as chief guests.

RUAS Chancellor Dr M R Jayaram said universities must prioritise innovation and prepare students for employment or entrepreneurship. Emphasising that students are the most important stakeholders, he said Vice Chancellors must take decisive steps, place recommendations before the government and ensure their effective execution.

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RUAS Registrar S Ashok Rao delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, Vice Chancellors, academicians and delegates for their participation and acknowledged the coordinated efforts that ensured the successful conduct of the conference.