( from left) Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree P. Patil, Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma and Dr. P. D. Patil.

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma recently inaugurated the 100th Annual General Body Meeting and National Conference of Vice Chancellors organised by the Association of Indian Universities at Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth in Pune.

The three-day conference, held from April 28 to 30, 2026, revolved around the theme “Shaping Self-Reliant Bharat Through Knowledge and Innovation.” The inaugural session began with a traditional welcome for visiting dignitaries, hosted by the leadership of Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. Among those present were Dr Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, and Dr Smita Jadhav, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Key attendees at the inaugural session included Vinay Kumar Pathak, President of the Association of Indian Universities and Vice-Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University; Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of AIU; Dr P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth; and N. J. Pawar, Vice-Chancellor of the host institution, along with senior representatives from universities across India.

The conference aims to deliberate on the role of higher education in advancing innovation and building a self-reliant India.

Release of publications marks centenary

During the session, the Governor released the Special Issue of University News, the book “Association of Indian Universities: A Century of Evolution, Transformation and Leadership”, and “Transformative Higher Education@2047.” The release of these publications added significance to the centenary gathering, which marks an important phase in the Association of Indian Universities’ long role in shaping India’s higher education system.

Governor highlights AIU legacy

Speaking on the occasion, Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra, said, “It is a matter of pride that the Association of Indian Universities has received the guidance of some of India’s most respected national leaders. Their legacy continues to make AIU’s commitment to academic excellence and nation building deeply inspiring. I congratulate Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune for hosting this prestigious conference”.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, said, “Institutions have a larger role in developing individuals who are ethically grounded, socially aware and prepared to contribute meaningfully to society”.

Key discussion themes

The first two days of the conference include discussions on themes central to the future of higher education. These include internationalisation in higher education, self-reliance through Swadeshi and economic patriotism, sustainability in universities, entrepreneurship in higher education, AI- and quantum-enabled institutions, and the integration of traditional wisdom into curriculum and research. A special health session will examine how universities can contribute to equitable and sustainable healthcare in a self-reliant Bharat.

Published on April 30, 2026