East Zone Vice-Chancellors’ Meet Focuses on Sustainability and Global Standards

The East Zone Vice-Chancellors’ Meet 2025–26 concluded in Patna with a strong call to align higher education in India with global innovation and sustainability goals. The two-day event took place at Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU).

Education leaders stressed the need for quality education, social responsibility, and global competitiveness in Indian universities.

AIU Highlights Role in Sustainable Higher Education

During the closing session, AIU Secretary General Pankaj Mittal explained how the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) can actively support sustainability and social responsibility. She shared practical examples to show how universities can create real impact.

The AIU, founded in 1925, is one of the oldest higher education bodies in the world. It currently has 1,175 member universities, including 20 international institutions.

‘India Must Match Global Technical Innovation’

Speaking at the event, AIU President and Vice-Chancellor Vinay Kumar Pathak said India must move beyond assembling products developed elsewhere. He urged institutions to match global technological innovation.

He said providing quality education for all students, regardless of financial background, remains a national responsibility. He added that innovation-driven education is key to achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Call to Attract Foreign Students to India

CIMP-Patna Director Rana Singh praised the efforts of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and AKU VC Sharad Kumar Yadav in improving Bihar’s education system.

He said India must prepare for the globalisation of education. Instead of sending students abroad, universities should work to attract international students to India. He cited IITs as examples of institutions already moving in this direction.

Nalanda Legacy Can Inspire Bihar’s Education Revival

Rana Singh also said Bihar can revive the global legacy of Nalanda University, known as the world’s first university. He noted that this heritage can help position the state as a global education hub.

Campus Enriched by Academic Dialogue

AKU Vice-Chancellor Sharad Kumar Yadav said the meet brought meaningful discussions to the campus. He added that the exchange of ideas made the university environment more vibrant and academically enriching.