Transforming universities to groom thought leaders
On the date of the 26-02-25 editorial, “Transforming Universities to Groom Thought Leaders,” I am deeply impressed, so I would like to write to support the insightful discussion on reforming higher education in India. The article highlights the urgent need for transformation within State Public Universities (SPUs), which play a significant role in shaping the nation’s academic and professional landscape. As India moves towards achieving the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the role of universities must evolve beyond merely granting degrees to actively fostering research, innovation, and skill development. The current higher education system, while vast, suffers from structural inefficiencies, outdated curricula, and a growing disconnect between academia and industry. Addressing these challenges is imperative to produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of driving social, economic, and technological advancements.
A major concern raised in the editorial is the balance between access and quality in higher education. Expanding enrolment in universities is essential to ensure educational inclusivity, but this should not come at the cost of academic standards. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has set a target of achieving a 50% gross enrolment ratio by 2035, which is a commendable step towards creating a knowledge-based economy. However, merely increasing student intake without addressing faculty shortages, infrastructure gaps, and curriculum reforms will weaken the quality of education. SPUs currently cater to a significant portion of India’s student population, yet their global rankings remain low due to a lack of modern teaching methodologies, limited research output, and inadequate resources. If India is to compete with world-class universities, the focus must be on both accessibility and excellence.
The editorial rightly points out that employability should be the real measure of higher education’s success. Unfortunately, a degree alone does not guarantee employment, as many graduates struggle to secure jobs due to a lack of practical skills and industry exposure. The traditional education model in India places excessive emphasis on theoretical knowledge while neglecting hands-on training and problem-solving capabilities. As a result, industries frequently report skill shortages despite a large pool of educated youth.
Bridging this gap requires universities to integrate vocational training, internships, industry-academia collaborations, and entrepreneurial education into their curricula. Instead of merely preparing students for white-collar jobs, universities should cultivate adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking—skills essential for success in an evolving job market.
Another crucial aspect discussed in the editorial is the need to strengthen research and innovation within Indian universities. Despite having a vast academic network, India significantly lags in global research output and patent filings. While China grants over five lakh patents annually, India’s numbers remain below 25,000, reflecting the weak research culture in most universities. This deficiency is not due to a lack of talent but rather systemic barriers, including inadequate funding, bureaucratic red tape, and limited industry collaboration. SPUs must take proactive steps to establish research-focused environments by simplifying the patent application process, fostering innovation cells, and incentivising faculty and students to engage in high-impact research. Stronger linkages between universities and industries can also ensure that academic research is translated into real-world applications, thereby boosting India’s technological and industrial growth.
The editorial further highlights governance and policy implementation gaps that hinder the progress of higher education institutions. While various policy recommendations have been made over the years, their execution remains a significant challenge due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and institutional inertia. Many SPUs operate under excessive government control, which restricts their ability to innovate and make independent decisions regarding curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and research funding. Granting universities greater autonomy will enable them to be more responsive to global educational trends and industry needs. Additionally, introducing a performance-based accountability system—where institutions are assessed on parameters such as employability rates, research contributions, and industry collaborations—can drive meaningful improvements. Without efficient policy implementation, even the most well-intended reforms will fail to bring about tangible change.
Funding constraints also pose a serious challenge to the transformation of SPUs. Unlike centrally funded institutions, many state universities face severe financial limitations, making it difficult to invest in quality education, research, and infrastructure. Over-reliance on government grants creates budgetary uncertainties, often leading to faculty shortages, outdated laboratory facilities, and insufficient research opportunities. To overcome this, universities must adopt a diversified funding model that includes public-private partnerships, alumni contributions, research commercialisation, and self-financing programmes. Exploring alternative revenue streams, such as consultancy services and industry-sponsored projects, can also help institutions achieve financial sustainability while enhancing academic-industry collaboration.
Transforming universities into global centres of thought leadership requires a multi-faceted approach that includes curriculum modernization, interdisciplinary learning, and industry integration. Universities should actively engage with corporate sectors, start-ups, and research institutions to ensure that students acquire market-relevant skills. A stronger emphasis on innovation-driven education, including the establishment of incubators and entrepreneurship cells, can encourage students to create job opportunities rather than merely seek employment. Furthermore, international collaborations can help universities adopt global best practices in education and research, thereby raising their academic standards.
The editorial “Transforming Universities to Groom Thought Leaders” presents a compelling case for immediate reforms in higher education, aligning well with India’s broader developmental goals. The success of this transformation will depend on a collective effort involving government agencies, educational institutions, industry leaders, and students. Policy frameworks must be backed by effective implementation strategies, financial investments, and institutional autonomy. If India is to emerge as a global leader in knowledge and innovation, its universities must play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of thought leaders, researchers, and skilled professionals. The time for change is now, and the higher education sector must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing world.
Heramba Nath
(herambanath2222@gmail.com)
Assam: Leading investment destination
National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28 with a new theme to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect. The theme for this year, 2025, is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for VIKSIT Bharat.” The theme provides the outline of a course of action for seminars and discussions to be held at the Vigyan Bhawan.
National Science Day was first observed in 1987. It is celebrated across the country in schools, colleges, and universities. National Science Day is also celebrated in research institutes, medical colleges, and science institutes.
Iqbal Saikia, Guwahati
Assam emerges as a rising star
Assam has emerged as a key destination for investment and economic growth, as highlighted in the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025. The summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcased the state's remarkable transformation from a region once troubled by insurgency to one of India's most peaceful and business-friendly states. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma credited this progress to the central government's commitment to infrastructure development and industrial growth. Assam is no longer just known for its tea gardens and petroleum resources but is also making significant advancements in technology, tourism, and renewable energy. One of the biggest announcements at the summit came from Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, who pledged an investment of Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years. He described Assam as a future "technology paradise" and announced plans to establish an AI-ready centre in the state. PM Modi also emphasized Assam’s economic growth, stating that the state’s GDP has doubled from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs 6 lakh crore in 2024. The summit highlighted Assam's potential in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and tourism. Improved connectivity, investor-friendly policies, and a skilled workforce have further strengthened Assam’s appeal to businesses. With a vision to become a $150 billion economy by 2030, Assam is set to play a vital role in India’s economic expansion, proving itself as a rising star on the global investment map.
Munmee Roy
Gauhati University