Gov chairs meeting with Vice Chancellors of Self-Financed Universities
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 23 May: A meeting was held at the Raj Bhavan here, today, under the chairmanship of the Governor and Chancellor of Universities, Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd), with Vice Chancellors of self-financed (private) universities of Uttarakhand.
During the meeting, the Governor urged the universities to contribute through research and innovation in key areas such as millet cultivation in Uttarakhand, honey production, development of homestays, and empowerment of self-help groups. He emphasised the role of academia in addressing regional challenges and curbing migration from hill areas.
Representatives of various self-financed universities presented their efforts, particularly in supporting economically weaker students, collaborating with state departments based on their institutional strengths, initiatives in artificial intelligence, research and publications aligned with UGC norms, and progress under the Raj Bhavan’s flagship “One University–One Research” programme.
The Governor stated that the primary objective of this dialogue is to strengthen the higher education ecosystem to make it more inclusive, modern, and technologically advanced. He highlighted that universities are not only centres of learning but also powerful agents of nation-building. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand’s self-financed universities are playing a crucial role in guiding the state’s youth in the right direction by imparting quality and employment-oriented education.
The Governor expressed satisfaction that universities are promoting Artificial Intelligence among students and treating it as a priority. He emphasised the importance of embracing emerging technologies such as AI, Metaverse, and Quantum Computing, and fostering research in these areas. Citing the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission to boost AI startups, he encouraged universities to take active part in this national initiative. He also stressed the need to enhance research, course development, and industry-academia partnerships in these domains.
Stressing better coordination and mutual cooperation among higher education institutions, the Governor suggested that universities share resources, expertise, and innovation capabilities. He proposed the establishment of joint research consortiums or innovation centres to strengthen the culture of technological startups and research in the state. The universities welcomed this suggestion and unanimously expressed their commitment to support the initiative.
Vice Chancellors also presented key highlights on five major thematic areas along with best practices, achievements, and other ongoing activities at their institutions. They provided detailed insights into research contributions being made toward the state’s development. The Governor appreciated the universities for their efforts and achievements.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Governor, Ravinath Raman, Secretary, Higher Education, Dr Ranjit Sinha, Legal Advisor to the Governor, Amit Kumar Sirohi, Vice Chancellors and representatives of private universities, and officials of Raj Bhavan.
