VP Dhankhar Champions Academic Excellence and Nationalism at AIU Meet

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered a powerful and wide-ranging address today at the inaugural session of the 99th Annual Meet and National Conference of Vice Chancellors (2024–2025), organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Held at Gautam Buddha University in Uttar Pradesh, the event convened leaders from across the Indian academic spectrum. On the solemn occasion of the Balidan Diwas of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Shri Dhankhar paid heartfelt tribute, while simultaneously laying out a compelling vision for Indian education in the 21st century.

Homage to a National Icon: Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee

Opening his remarks with a tribute, the Vice-President reflected on the legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, describing him as “one of the finest sons of our soil.” Remembering his slogan from the historic campaign in Jammu and Kashmir in 1952 — “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan” — Shri Dhankhar highlighted Mukherjee’s unrelenting opposition to Article 370, calling it a long-standing impediment to India's unity and equality.

He recalled the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A on August 5, 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, likening the constitutional transformation to the fulfillment of Mukherjee’s vision. The Supreme Court’s verdict on December 11, 2023, upholding the abrogation, further cemented this pivotal change in Indian constitutional history.

National Education Policy: A Bold Reaffirmation of Indian Values

Turning to the theme of education, Shri Dhankhar hailed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformative milestone, one that emerged after more than three decades of stagnation. As a former Governor of West Bengal, he personally contributed to the formulation process and described the policy as one that “resonates with our civilizational spirit, essence, and ethos.”

He stressed that the NEP is not merely about enhancing skills but about awakening the self — a deeply Indian approach to education that sees learning as a path to enlightenment, empowerment, and equity.

Universities as Sanctuaries of Ideas and Pillars of Democracy

In a strong message to Vice Chancellors and academic leaders, the Vice-President emphasized that universities must not become mere degree-distribution centers. Instead, they should evolve into “crucibles of innovation” and “sanctuaries of ideas and ideation.”

He called on academia to nurture a culture of debate, dissent, and dialogue — Abhivyakti, Vaad Vivaad, Anant Vaad — framing them as the lifeblood of any thriving democracy. In his words, “education is a great equalizer. It decimates inequities and breathes life into democracy.”

Equitable Educational Expansion and Greenfield Institutions

Addressing the disparities in the higher education landscape, Shri Dhankhar pointed to the problem of institutional clusterization in metropolitan areas and Tier-1 cities. He called for a shift towards “greenfield institutions” in underserved regions to ensure equitable access and distribution.

He urged Vice Chancellors to act as “impregnable bulwarks against commodification and commercialisation of education,” emphasizing the need to uphold affordability, inclusivity, and public accountability.

A Vision for Future Readiness: Leading in Emerging Domains

The Vice-President painted a bold vision for India's academic future, identifying emerging domains like artificial intelligence, quantum science, digital ethics, and climate technology as the arenas in which India must lead. He asserted that education is India’s most “strategic national asset,” crucial not only for economic development but also for safeguarding national sovereignty.

“Bharat must not remain a perpetual student of Western innovation,” he declared. “We must build institutions that don’t just teach, but pioneer.”

Commendation for Uttar Pradesh’s IT and Education Reforms

Shri Dhankhar commended the Government of Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, for its progressive policies, particularly the decision to grant ‘industry status’ to the Information Technology sector. He noted how this step would stimulate development and create new avenues for youth employment.

He also praised the state’s emphasis on transparency and accountability in school-level education, stating that these efforts are contributing to a robust and responsive education ecosystem.

Final Reflections: Embracing the Tough Path

Concluding his speech on a philosophical note, Shri Dhankhar urged the academic fraternity to choose “impossible choices” over convenient mediocrity. He described universities as “preparatory grounds” for developing intrepid minds that are capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.

"Education," he said, "is not just for public good. It is a matter of national strength, integrity, and global positioning.”

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was attended by a host of eminent personalities including Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma, Minister for IT and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President of Amity Education and Research Group; Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President of AIU; and Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of AIU, among others.