Pune, April 2026: Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, will host the 100th Annual General Body Meet of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) along with the National Conference of Vice Chancellors from April 28 to 30, 2026.
This landmark gathering holds special significance as 2026 marks the centenary year of the Association of Indian Universities, which was established in 1925. The conference is expected to bring together Vice Chancellors, academic leaders and higher education experts from reputed national and international bodies for discussions on the future of Indian higher education. The Inauguration Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Auditorium, Pimpri. The event will be inaugurated at the auspicious hands of the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri. Jishnu Dev Varma.
Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion will include Dr. P. D. Patil, Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune; Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak – Hon’ble President, AIU, Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal – Hon’ble Secretary General and Member Secretary, AIU, Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree P. Patil, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune & President, Dnyaan Prasad Global University, Pune, Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University, Pune and Hon’ble Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, Pune; Dr. (Mrs.) Smita Jadhav, Hon’ble Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Society, Pune and Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune; Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Hon’ble Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Society, Pune and Prof. (Dr.) N. J. Pawar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune;
The main theme of this centenary conference is “Shaping Self-Reliant Bharat through Knowledge and Innovation.”
“This three-day conference will bring together over 300 Vice-Chancellors from across the country, with 34 distinguished speakers engaging in in-depth deliberations on contemporary issues. Key themes include Indigenous Technology and Economic Nationalism, Sustainability and Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship and Startups, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill 2025, the Internationalization of Higher Education and Indian Traditional Knowledge. The conference will serve as an effective platform for innovation, research, collaboration and policy formulation in higher education, thereby making a significant contribution towards strengthening, modernizing and advancing India’s education system.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has organized its Foundation Day Lecture. The theme for this year’s lecture is ‘Building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) through Knowledge and Innovative Research.’ Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe—former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Vice President of the Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini—will deliver the keynote address. During this same event, a book titled ‘Association of Indian Universities: A Century of Evolution, Transformation, and Leadership’—chronicling the AIU’s hundred-year journey—will be released.
Shri. Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra will be the Chief Guest during Valedictory Session. The Guest of Honour of the session will be Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi.
The Conference will be attended by approximately 400 Vice Chancellors from all over the country are attending the conference physically and an almost equal number will also attend the Meet through Virtual Mode.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. D. Patil, Hon’ble Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, said, “We are delighted that the centenary year of the Association of Indian Universities is being commemorated at our Vidyapeeth. This is a historic milestone in the field of education and Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth is fully prepared to host this important conference successfully.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree P. Patil, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, said, “This conference will serve as a platform for meaningful deliberations on innovation and research in higher education. The discussions during this centenary year will help lay the foundation for a progressive India of tomorrow. Alongside research, the conference will also focus on the inclusion of diverse academic disciplines within educational policy.”
Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University, Pune and Hon’ble Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, Pune; “Through the National Conference of Vice-Chancellors, a foundation of traditional Indian knowledge is being laid alongside the soaring advancements of modern technology; a new stepping stone for startups and research is being established to realize the dream of a ‘Developed India’.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Smita Jadhav, Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, said, “This seat of learning will become a forum for shaping new strategic directions in higher education. Key deliberations on digital transformation and academic quality aligned with global standards will help define the path for the coming decade.”
Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Hon’ble Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Society, Pune, said, “Comprehensive arrangements have been made for the smooth management of this national conference and all related service facilities. We are fully prepared to host this important academic gathering and look forward to welcoming Vice Chancellors and education experts from across India for a meaningful exchange of ideas.”
Prof. (Dr.) N. J. Pawar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, said, “This conference will further strengthen Pune’s standing as a centre of educational excellence. Important discussions on collaboration with international universities and on national and global educational challenges and opportunities, will contribute to enhancing the global prospects of Indian students.”
This historic edition of the AIU Annual General Meeting and National Conference of Vice Chancellors is expected to serve as an important platform for dialogue, collaboration and policy direction at a defining moment for Indian higher education.