Academic leaders and policymakers call for practical reforms, inclusive innovation, and human-centric education strategies
Gurugram, July 30: Marking five transformative years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, SGT University, Gurugram, hosted the Higher Education Leaders Conclave 2025, in collaboration with the University of Lucknow, University of Jammu, Vinoba Bhave University, and Chandragupt Institute of Management, Patna. The event served as a national platform for dialogue on the future of Indian education, grounded in legacy, policy reform, and nation-building.
With over 40 prominent education leaders, vice-chancellors, policy experts, and institutional heads in attendance, the conclave centered on the theme: “Reimagining Indian Education: Legacy, Policy, and Nation-Building in the Light of NEP 2020.” Discussions revolved around implementation strategies, educational equity, digital transformation, and capacity building.
Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Bahadur Rai, Chancellor of SGT University, inaugurated the event and launched the university’s new online learning platform, “SGTU Online.” “Freeing education from bureaucracy is essential for complete reform,” he stated, highlighting the need for learner-centric, accessible education models.
SGT University Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr) Hemant Verma welcomed delegates, stating, “This conclave enables academic leaders to reflect, collaborate, and shape the future of Indian education.”
Key voices at the conclave included:
- Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Vice Chairperson, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, who said, “NEP reimagines education, but its success depends entirely on implementation.”
- Prof. Parmendra Kumar Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, Jai Prakash University, noted the importance of feedback-driven reforms.
- Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, stressed the need to focus on practical skill development.
The valedictory session was headlined by Najeeb Jung, former Lt. Governor of Delhi and Chairperson of the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA), SGT University. “Technology and policy alone cannot transform education,” Jung emphasized, advocating for moral grounding and stronger teacher-student bonds in India’s education reform journey. He called for urgent investment in faculty development and rural infrastructure to realize NEP’s full potential.
The event also featured the launch of a new book, “Educating India: Colonialism and Indigenous Knowledge Traditions, c. 1780–1900” by Prof. Amit K. Suman, shedding light on India’s pre-colonial education models and their suppression under colonial rule.
SGT University reaffirmed its commitment to thought leadership and inclusive excellence in education. With this conclave, the university has positioned itself at the forefront of policy dialogue and academic innovation, aligned with the spirit of NEP 2020.
About SGT University
Located in Gurugram, SGT University is a NAAC A+ accredited multidisciplinary institution offering over 200 programs. With more than 600 patents, 10,000+ publications, and partnerships with global firms like Deloitte, Infosys, and KPMG, the university stands as a hub of innovation, research, and career-ready education.
