06-08-2026 : Universities Must Prepare Youth to Be AI-Enabled, Industry-Oriented, and Ready for Nation-Building in Line with the Challenges of the 21st Century: Governor

Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note

Universities Must Prepare Youth to Be AI-Enabled, Industry-Oriented, and Ready for Nation-Building in Line with the Challenges of the 21st Century: Governor

Governor Holds Meeting with Vice-Chancellors of Private Universities

Lok Bhavan Dehradun 06 August, 2026

Governor and Chancellor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) chaired the first-phase meeting of Vice-Chancellors of self-financed (private) universities in Uttarakhand at Lok Bhawan on Thursday. Vice-Chancellors from 13 private universities participated in the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that universities must go beyond merely awarding degrees and focus on preparing students for employment, industry, society, and nation-building. He emphasized that every graduate should be AI-enabled, industry-oriented, skill-equipped, and socially responsible so they can actively contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s aspiration to become a global leader.

Highlighting the importance of research, innovation, patents, and intellectual property rights, the Governor said that conducting research alone is no longer sufficient. Research must be transformed into patents, publications, and technologies that benefit society. He stressed that universities should develop skilled human resources in areas such as data security, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.

The Governor also underscored the need for universities to share their best achievements and innovations. He said institutions should collaborate by exchanging best practices, research outcomes, innovations, and accomplishments, enabling mutual learning and institutional growth.

He urged all universities to identify at least one significant research topic related to the nation, the state, society, or youth welfare, and undertake long-term, high-quality research on it. He further stated that universities should cultivate a culture of research, innovation, experimentation, hobbies, and mission-driven work among students, encouraging them to channel their energy into constructive activities that benefit society.

Appreciating the initiatives undertaken by universities in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and other cutting-edge fields, the Governor said Uttarakhand has the potential to emerge as a center of excellence in these areas. He also urged universities to look beyond business and financial gains and work for the welfare of society, the nation, and humanity.

During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellors highlighted their universities’ achievements and presented several important suggestions, including promoting research, fostering a patent culture, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, creating a national-level shared research ecosystem, and enhancing coordination among universities.

The meeting was attended by Governor’s Secretary Ravinath Raman, Governor’s Legal Advisor Kaushal Kishore Shukla, Higher Education Secretary Dr. BVRC Purushottam, Additional Secretary to the Governor Reena Joshi, and the Vice-Chancellors of Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar; UPES, Dehradun; ICFAI University, Dehradun; IMS Unison University, Dehradun; Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun; DIT University, Dehradun; Uttaranchal University, Dehradun; Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun; Quantum University, Roorkee; Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, Dehradun; Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun; COER University, Roorkee; and DBS Global University, Dehradun.
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