The Central Zone Vice-Chancellors’ Conference 2020-21 of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) was hosted virtually by the Sri Sri University, Cuttack, on February 8 and 9.
The theme of the conference was ‘Promoting Quality, Research and Internationalization in Higher Education’ which was attended by more than 100 Vice Chancellors from the Central Zone of AIU.
Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Anandiben Patel graced the inaugural session as the chief guest while the guest of honour was Higher Education Arun Kumar Sahoo.
Sri Sri University president Rajita Kulkarni welcomed the dignitaries and guests during the welcome address. AIU secretary general Dr Pankaj Mittal gave the welcome and introductory address.
She emphasized the need to implement the NEP-2020 to make India a ‘Vishwaguru’. AIU president and Vice-Chancellor, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar Dr Tej Partap during his presidential address proposed discussion on quality of students, education, and environment along with teaching and pedagogy.
Governor Patel released journal edited by Dr Sistla Rama Devi Pani, Editor, University News and Head of the Research Division at Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of Art of Living delivered the valedictory address and highlighted that education is not a process of job creation only but an evolutionary process of human life.
He congratulated AIU for organising such an enlightening conference and to address the opportunities and challenges of higher education institutions of the country. Sri Sri University VC Prof Ajay Kumar Singh during his remarks mentioned that the Sri Sri University should be given the status of Institute of Global Eminence.Dr S Ramadevi Pani delivered the vote of thanks.
Over 100 dignitaries and Vice Chancellors of the Central Zone participated in the meet.
Three technical sessions, one session with APEX body members and an AIU Business Session were conducted.