Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurates AIU’s 100th Annual General Body Meet at Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune

Pune, April : Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, inaugurated the 100th Annual General Body Meet and National Conference of Vice Chancellors of the Association of Indian Universities at Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. The three-day conference is being held from April 28 to 30, 2026 on the theme “Shaping Self Reliant Bharat Through Knowledge and Innovation.”

The centenary conference of the Association of Indian Universities brought together over 300 Vice Chancellors, academic leaders, international delegates and policy voices from across India. The event opened with a traditional welcome extended to each visiting Vice Chancellor and dignitary by the leadership and family members of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune. Hon’ble Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Hon’ble Dr. Smita Jadhav, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Hon’ble Dr. Somnath Patil, – Pro-Chancellor, Dnyaan Prasad Global University, Pune and Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, Pune, Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, personally welcomed the Vice Chancellors, reflecting the institution’s respect for academic leadership and Indian hospitality.

The inaugural session was attended by Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, Association of Indian Universities and Vice Chancellor, CSJM University, Kanpur, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Prof. Dr. N. J. Pawar, Vice Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune and senior representatives from universities across the country.

During the session, the Hon’ble Governor released the Special Issue of University News, the book “Association of Indian Universities: A Century of Evolution, Transformation and Leadership” and “Transformative Higher Education@2047.” The release of these publications added significance to the centenary gathering, which marks an important phase in the Association of Indian Universities’ long role in shaping India’s higher education system.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, said, “It is a matter of pride that the Association of Indian Universities has received the guidance of some of India’s most respected national leaders. Their legacy continues to make AIU’s commitment to academic excellence and nation building deeply inspiring. I congratulate Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune for hosting this prestigious conference. Established in 2003, the Vidyapeeth has created a distinct identity as a multidisciplinary institution known for quality education, meaningful research and compassionate healthcare. I had the honour of meeting Dr. D. Y. Patilji when he was serving as the Governor of Tripura. He was a respected educationist and visionary leader and it gives me great happiness to see his vision being carried forward with such dedication. The theme of this conference is important because innovation, research and development will be central to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Universities must develop critical thinking, problem solving and the spirit of inquiry among students so that they become contributors to society and creators of opportunities.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, said, “Education plays a defining role in shaping the future of our nation and universities today must go beyond imparting knowledge to nurturing values, responsibility and a sense of purpose among students. Institutions have a larger role in developing individuals who are ethically grounded, socially aware and prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. As higher education continues to evolve, it is essential to integrate innovation, research and practical learning while maintaining strong academic foundations. True excellence lies not only in academic achievement, but also in character and integrity. By fostering a balance between tradition and modern advancements, universities can emerge as centres of excellence that contribute to building a progressive and self-reliant nation.”

In his address, the Hon’ble Governor connected the conference theme to India’s larger national journey. Referring to the evolution from “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” to “Jai Vigyan” and “Jai Anusandhan,” he underlined that research and innovation will play a central role in the country’s progress. He also said that development must not be measured only through economic progress, but through the ability to reach the last person in society.

He also emphasised the need for stronger school outreach through the School Connect programme, especially for students from economically weaker sections and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. Such efforts, he said, are important for improving access to higher education and achieving the national target of a 50 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio.

The conference also drew strength from Pune and Maharashtra’s deep legacy of educational and institutional reform. The significance of the venue was reflected through the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Hon’ble Dr. D. Y. Patilji. Their lives represent a powerful continuum of leadership, learning, reform and access to education.

The reference to these eminent figures brought a deeper meaning to the national conversation. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands for institution building rooted in knowledge and governance. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj reflected the union of scholarship and leadership. Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule changed the course of Indian education by opening the doors of learning to girls at a time when such an idea was considered impossible. Hon’ble Dr. D. Y. Patilji’s lifelong belief that education must reach every class, every region and every aspiration continues to guide the Vidyapeeth’s work today.

Held in Pune, the conference therefore gained a special relevance. It reminded academic leaders that the true measure of an institution lies not only in what it preserves, but in what it has the courage to redesign for the future.
The conference also placed attention on the idea of an AI native university. This was positioned not as a technology discussion alone, but as a deeper question of institutional redesign. In a world where knowledge is searchable, available and generated on demand, universities can no longer define their value only through information delivery. Their role must move towards transformation, helping students think, question, create and apply learning in meaningful ways.

The first two days of the conference include discussions on themes central to the future of higher education. These include internationalisation in higher education, self-reliance through Swadeshi and economic patriotism, sustainability in universities, entrepreneurship in higher education, AI and quantum enabled institutions and the integration of traditional wisdom in curriculum and research. A special health session will examine how universities can contribute to equitable and sustainable healthcare in a self-reliant Bharat.

With over 300 Vice Chancellors attending in person and many more joining virtually, the conference is expected to create meaningful academic dialogue on the future of Indian universities. The deliberations will help shape a commitment towards higher education that is rooted in Indian values, open to global collaboration and prepared for the demands of a rapidly changing world.