The Bharat Higher Education Summit (BHES) 2025, hosted at Mahindra University and convened by the Confederation of Indian Private Universities (CIPU), served as a platform for academic and industry experts to emphasize the urgent need to elevate India’s higher education system to global standards. Central to the discussions was the promotion of research-driven, interdisciplinary education.
The summit, themed ‘Building Next Generation Leaders in Higher Education’, brought together over 150 Vice Chancellors and senior academics from institutions nationwide to deliberate on future pathways for the sector. Throughout the two-day event, attendees explored themes such as global academic exchange, institutional partnerships, and strategies to boost the international credibility of Indian universities.
Panel sessions addressed a wide range of topics, including Public-Private Partnerships for research development, digital leadership, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in education, and promoting innovation-led academic leadership.
In his opening remarks, Professor T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), stressed that, amid fast-paced technological evolution and shifting global dynamics, higher education institutions are tasked with shaping forward-thinking leaders. He more specifically stated that India’s private universities are going to be the key to reaching a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035.
Professor Yajulu Medury read a message by Anand Mahindra, Chancellor of Mahindra University, at the event. In the message, Mahindra emphasized the importance of continuing India’s rise in the global knowledge ecosystem through innovation and originality. The message also pointed to the summit’s success in fostering meaningful collaboration between academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and policy leaders.
Professor Medury, also Chairperson of CIPU’s Southern India Regional Council and Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, personally welcomed participants by calling the summit a vital step in promoting leadership, technological progress, and sustainable innovation. He expressed pride in Mahindra University’s role as host for such an impactful dialogue focused on nurturing globally aware and socially responsible leaders.
Dr. Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-World Peace University and Chief Patron of CIPU, underlined the value of unity and cooperative advancement within a democratic framework. He advocated for stronger representation and support systems for the growing network of private universities, facilitated by platforms like CIPU.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and NAAC, talked about the accreditation process and the importance of ethical governance.
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The summit concluded with closing remarks by Prof (Dr) GK Shirude, Honorary Vice President of CIPU, who thanked the attendees. Academic leaders pledged to carry forward the insights gained through continued engagement and collaboration aimed at transforming India’s higher education landscape.
