Dehradun, October 8, 2025: The Shiksha Samvad Chintan Shivir on the theme “Reimagining Higher Education for Viksit Bharat and Sammriddh Uttarakhand” commenced today at Hotel Hyatt Centric, Dehradun. The two-day summit, organised by the Department of Higher & Technical Education, Government of Uttarakhand, in collaboration with Elets Technomedia, has brought together policymakers, academicians, and education leaders to shape a forward-looking vision for higher education in the state.
Leaders Set the Vision for Transformation
Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, graced the inaugural session as the Guest of Honour. He emphasised the importance of academic autonomy balanced with accountability:
“Universities must be given the freedom to grow — but within the boundaries of responsibility. We are actively considering granting selected colleges complete autonomy, from paper-setting to examination processes, so they can innovate and function more efficiently. Uttarakhand is ready to lead this transformation.”
Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sinha, IAS, Secretary, Department of Higher & Technical Education, Government of Uttarakhand, set the tone for the summit with his welcome address:
“The world is changing in multiple ways — so profoundly that it is transforming how we work, how we think, and even how we live post-retirement. This change is not just technological. While technology drives these shifts, its impact extends far beyond — reshaping social relations, manufacturing, shopping, the supply chain, and the global economy.”
Delivering the Keynote Address, Shri Anand Bardhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, highlighted that education is the cornerstone of national progress:
“This Shivir is a historic opportunity to guide Uttarakhand’s higher education towards reflection, innovation, and new perspectives. The dream of Viksit Bharat 2047 can only be realised if our higher education is knowledge-, skill-, and value-based. In a youth-rich state like Uttarakhand, higher education should go beyond degrees to become a pathway for employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia, expressed pride in partnering with the Government of Uttarakhand for this initiative:
“This platform is not just a conference; it is a strong step towards advancing higher education with a focus on the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Distinguished Dignitaries in Attendance
The inaugural session also witnessed the presence of:
- Dr. Devendra Bhasin, Vice Chairperson, Higher Education Upgradation Committee, Uttarakhand
- Shri Manuj Goyal, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Higher & Technical Education, Government of Uttarakhand
- Dr. Jai Pal Singh Chauhan, Vice Chairman, Higher Education Upgradation Committee, Government of Uttarakhand
- Prof. V.N. Khali, Director, Higher Education
The summit witnessed a houseful gathering of academicians, experts, and education administrators. Discussions remained focused on sujhaav (constructive suggestions) rather than bhashan (lectures), echoing the sentiment shared by Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat.
Thematic Sessions: Building a Roadmap for Transformation
As the day progressed, the Shiksha Samvad Chintan Shivir continued with several thought-provoking sessions that addressed emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education. The sessions held on Day 1 included:
- Towards Knowledge Economy
- Entrepreneurship & Employment Opportunities – The Way Forward
- Industry–Academia Linkages – Bridging the Gaps
- Drug-Free Uttarakhand – Channelizing the Youth Force for Viksit and Sammriddh Uttarakhand
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Looking Ahead: Day Two Highlights
Day two of the Shiksha Samvad Chintan Shivir will be graced by Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, who will share his vision on “Higher Education towards Sammriddh Uttarakhand and Viksit Bharat.”
The sessions will focus on actionable insights and policy recommendations emerging from the discussions, setting the tone for a more innovative and future-ready education ecosystem in Uttarakhand.
About the Event
The Shiksha Samvad Chintan Shivir serves as a platform for introspection, ideation, and collaboration among policymakers, academicians, and institutions. It aims to strengthen Uttarakhand’s higher education framework while aligning with India’s broader developmental vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 — empowering youth, encouraging innovation, and paving the way for a Sammriddh Uttarakhand.
Visit here for more info: https://events.eletsonline.com/shiksha-samvad/
