Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, delivered the closing remarks at the National Workshop on Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) today at ICAR, New Delhi. Secretary, Department of Higher Education, GoI, Dr. Vineet Joshi; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal; Chairman, AICTE, Prof. T. G. Sitharam; Chair Person, NETF, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe; Former Chairman, UGC, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar; Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Prof. Chamu Krishna Shastry; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Armstrong Pame, and other dignitaries and Vice chancellors of the Universities also attended the event.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing the event, expressed his gratitude to the participants for preparing strategies for the ground-level implementation of the NEP. He also expressed confidence that the brainstorming sessions would serve as nectar in shaping the future strategy for higher education in the country, especially for the State Universities, in line with the expectations of the nation.

Shri Pradhan reverently recalled the words of former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who, while addressing students at Delhi University, had said that they learn more on the university campus than in the classroom. He believed that universities are not merely centres of study but also character-building, Shri Pradhan said. He emphasised that it is our collective responsibility to build the best campuses following the needs of the times. The Minister also cited the establishment of Banaras Hindu University by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya before independence, as a means to strengthen nationalism and the resolve for independence. Similarly, today’s universities must also recognise their role in the 21st century, the Minister stated.

Shri Pradhan further said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has urged all to move beyond the traditional mould of Research and Development and shift towards Research for Development. He reiterated that it is the responsibility of universities to prepare the roadmap for the next 25 years starting now. Shri Pradhan also highlighted the importance of seriously working on developing new pedagogies and innovative teaching ideas.

The Minister pointed out that to bring about a paradigm shift in society, universities must promote Indian languages as the preferred medium. He emphasised the need to create a forward-looking roadmap from a strategic perspective, keeping in mind national priorities and the nature of society.

He stated that he expected universities to present exemplary models in the implementation of NEP components—models that could serve as national benchmarks. He stressed that universities must evolve beyond degree-awarding institutions to become centres that enhance competence. Joint and sincere efforts must be made to improve education quality, increase GER, and enhance the employability and entrepreneurial capabilities of youth, he said. The goal, he underlined, should not only be material progress but also the development of character, and it is the responsibility of the universities to guide this social aspiration, Shri Pradhan said.

Dr. Vineet Joshi, in his speech, highlighted how the workshop has reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary education in shaping the higher education landscape of the country. He also said that it has explored new pedagogical models, research paradigms, and policy frameworks that seek to break down traditional academic silos and encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. A multidisciplinary approach is not merely aspirational but essential now, he added.

Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal presented a snapshot of the outcomes and significance of the two-day workshop. He also informed that the outcomes will be collected and published as a compendium for ready reference. Additionally, Shri Barnwal highlighted how the workshop has created scopes for critical deliberation and cross-learning. He appreciated the participants for their active participation. Some participants shared their experience during the event.

During this two-day seminar twelve important sessions were held on UGC Regulations for NEP Implementation (Status and Challenges); Clustering and Collaboration for Multidisciplinary Education; Holistic Education through Integration of Skilling and Industry Connect (NHEQF, NCrF); Employability through apprenticeship & internship and Future of Work and Courses in Emerging Areas; Digital Initiatives (SWAYAM, SWAYAM-Plus, SATHEE, APAAR, AI); Equity and Access to Higher Education; Indian Knowledge System; e-Governance (SAMARTH); Research, Innovation & Internationalization; Promoting Indian Languages in Higher Education; Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Program – Capacity Building of Faculty of Higher Education; and Providing Quality Education: Accreditation and Ranking (NAAC, NIRF, IQAC). Eminent academicians and officials shared their insight in these sessions.

PM-USHA or Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Indian Ministry of Education to improve the quality of higher education in state-run institutions. It aims to enhance accessibility, equity, and excellence in higher education while ensuring efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.

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