Dehradun: In a meeting held at Raj Bhavan with the vice-chancellors of self-financed (private) universities of Uttarakhand, the Honorable Governor and Chancellor, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), participated and addressed the gathering. The Governor expressed his expectations that these universities should contribute through research and development in areas such as millets grown in Uttarakhand, locally produced honey, the homestay sector, and by supporting self-help groups, with an aim to also help prevent migration from the state.
On this occasion, representatives of all self-financed universities made presentations covering key topics such as efforts made for students from economically weaker sections of the state, support extended to state government departments based on the specializations of their respective universities, innovations related to artificial intelligence being undertaken at their institutions, the status of research and publications as per UGC norms, and progress under the Raj Bhavan’s “One University – One Research” initiative.
During the meeting, the Governor stated that the main objective of this dialogue is to make the state’s higher education system stronger, more inclusive, and technologically contemporary. He emphasized that universities are not only centers of teaching and training but also serve as powerful instruments of societal and national development. He expressed confidence that all self-financed universities in Uttarakhand are playing a decisive role in guiding the youth of the state in the right direction. He also remarked that these universities are undoubtedly contributing significantly by providing quality and employment-oriented education.
The Governor expressed his satisfaction that all universities are giving importance to artificial intelligence and are encouraging students in this direction. He noted that adopting and promoting research in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse, and Quantum Computing is the need of the hour. He highlighted that the Central Government has also launched the “India AI Mission” to support AI startups, and universities must actively participate in this domain. He stressed the importance of research, course development, and industry-academia partnerships in these areas.
He also emphasized the need for better coordination and mutual cooperation among higher educational institutions, suggesting that universities should share resources, expertise, and innovation capabilities with each other. This, he said, would enable Uttarakhand not only to become an academic leader but also contribute to the knowledge-based economy at the national level. He proposed the establishment of a joint research consortium or shared innovation centers by the universities to strengthen the culture of technological startups and innovation in the state. All self-financed universities welcomed this proposal and expressed their full support for the initiative.
In the meeting, vice-chancellors presented key points across five major areas and shared information on best practices, achievements, and other activities being implemented at their institutions. They also shared details on research and studies undertaken by their universities for the development of the state. The Governor expressed his happiness over the achievements presented by the universities.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Governor Mr. Ravinath Raman, Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Ranjit Sinha, Legal Advisor to the Governor Mr. Amit Kumar Sirohi, as well as chancellors, vice-chancellors, and representatives of private universities.
