Bhubaneswar: Higher education institutions must emerge as engines of innovation, research and social transformation if Odisha is to achieve its development aspirations, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati said on Sunday while addressing a conference of Vice-Chancellors of State Public and Private Universities in Bhubaneswar.
The Governor stressed that universities have a larger responsibility beyond imparting education, calling on academic institutions to produce future-ready graduates, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute actively to nation-building. He was speaking at the Conference of Vice-Chancellors held at Lok Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, members of the State Cabinet and senior government officials.
Describing the conference as an important platform for shaping the future of higher education in Odisha, Dr. Kambhampati said universities must adapt to the rapidly evolving global landscape driven by technological innovation, emerging disciplines and changing socio-economic realities. He urged institutions to remain rooted in Indian values while striving for global standards in academics, research and innovation.
The Governor observed that the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat requires educational institutions to nurture creativity, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking among students. He said universities should play a proactive role in developing skilled human resources capable of contributing to sectors such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and scientific research.
Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Dr. Kambhampati said the reforms introduced under the policy have created opportunities for multidisciplinary education, flexible learning pathways, skill integration and stronger industry-academia collaboration. He appreciated the efforts being made by both the Centre and the Odisha Government towards effective implementation of the policy.
Highlighting Odisha’s rich tribal heritage, the Governor encouraged universities to undertake focused research on indigenous knowledge systems, tribal communities and cultural traditions. He informed that publications on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), prepared by the Tribal Cell of Lok Bhavan, would be shared with universities to support academic research and documentation.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his address, said higher education institutions are vital centres of knowledge generation and innovation that can contribute significantly to the State’s development journey. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through increased investments and policy support.
The Chief Minister said Odisha has set a target of becoming a developed state by 2036 and called upon universities to contribute towards this goal by fostering research, innovation and inclusive development. He urged academic institutions to prepare a roadmap that aligns educational outcomes with the state’s long-term growth priorities.
Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo and Ministers Mukesh Mahaling, Nityananda Gond, Sampad Chandra Swain and Suryabanshi Suraj also shared their views on improving higher education, strengthening research ecosystems and promoting innovation-led growth.
During the conference, Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Arvind Agrawal presented the department’s achievements and future plans under the vision documents Viksit Odisha@2036 and Viksit Bharat@2047. The Chancellor’s Cup for debates and discussions on issues of national importance was also unveiled, while selected universities were recognised for producing short films on drug de-addiction.
The day-long deliberations also covered skill development, internship opportunities, Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP), youth leadership and volunteerism. Officials from the Armed Forces, NCC and other organisations interacted with participants on strengthening youth engagement and nation-building initiatives.
The conference will continue on Monday with further discussions on higher education reforms, institutional development and strategies to enhance the quality and relevance of university education in Odisha.
