Governor Emphasizes Linking Higher Education with Industry and Innovation,

Dehradun ।Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh chairs meeting of Vice-Chancellors at Raj Bhavan, calls universities the pillars of nation-buildingDehradun, Thursday — Governor and Chancellor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) chaired a meeting of Vice-Chancellors of state universities at Raj Bhavan today. Senior officials from the Higher Education Department and the State Government were also present.The Governor said that universities are not merely centers of education but the core pillars of nation-building. He emphasized that the goal of higher education should not be limited to awarding degrees but to creating youth who contribute to the growth of society, the state, and the nation. He urged universities to ensure that students acquire knowledge and skills aligned with future needs.Highlighting the evolving global scenario, the Governor stressed the need to connect education with industry, innovation, and technology. He directed that universities update their curricula in view of the state’s needs, natural resources, and social challenges. He suggested providing students with practical exposure through linkages with industries, research institutions, and startups to help them face future technical and professional challenges effectively.The Governor also advised strengthening alumni networks and establishing active placement centers in all universities to maintain regular interaction with industries, providing students with internship and employment opportunities. He directed prompt disposal of affiliation-related matters and said that institutions failing to meet standards should not be granted affiliation.Emphasizing social responsibility, the Governor asked universities to contribute to their adopted villages by addressing local needs and bringing positive changes in education, health, environment, and livelihood. He stated that educational institutions should not remain confined to their campuses but should actively engage with the community to create meaningful impact.Commending the success of the “One University–One Research” initiative, the Governor urged that in its second phase, new, relevant, and impactful research themes be selected so that research initiatives directly align with the needs of the state and the nation. He called for prioritizing studies and research in Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies, and innovation to prepare Uttarakhand’s youth for global competitiveness.During the meeting, Vice-Chancellors presented their universities’ achievements, challenges, and requirements. The Governor assured full cooperation in addressing their issues and expressed satisfaction over the progressive work being done across universities, stating that these efforts will take higher education in Uttarakhand to new heights.