Dikhyaa Mohanty 
On Sunday, Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati urged the state’s universities to develop into technologically sophisticated, socially conscious, and internationally competitive establishments while being firmly grounded in Indian values. He emphasized that in order to create an Atmanirbhar Bharat and get the State ready for upcoming challenges, higher education institutions must be crucial. Speaking at the Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State Public and Private Universities at New Abhishek Hall at Lok Bhavan, the Governor characterized the meeting as an important group effort to influence the direction of higher education in Odisha.
Senior government officials were present at the conference, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Schools and Mass Education Nityananda Gond, Minister of Industries Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of Higher Education Suryabanshi Suraj, and others.
Dr. Kambhampati welcomed the vice chancellors and stated that universities play a critical role in nation-building as hubs of knowledge, innovation, and leadership. He emphasized that higher education institutions must provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate an increasingly complex future because the world is undergoing unprecedented change due to emerging disciplines, rapid technological advancements, and changing global challenges. The Governor stated that Atmanirbhar Bharat’s goal incorporates innovation, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and education in addition to economic self-reliance. He pointed out that universities need to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship so that young people may act as catalysts for societal advancement.
Dr. Kambhampati emphasized the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s revolutionary potential, stating that it encourages transdisciplinary education, academic flexibility, skill integration, digital learning, research excellence, and better industrial connections. He expressed gratitude to the Odisha government, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their efforts in pushing the policy’s implementation.
