A delegation of senior academicians met Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhawan, Shimla, on April 6 to discuss various issues related to higher education, academic excellence, and institutional development in the region.
The delegation included Pardeep Singh Walia, Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Agrasen University; Ashwani Kumar Bhalla, Principal of Government College Gurdaspur, Punjab; and Raj Kumar Singh from Himachal Pradesh University.
The academicians briefed the Governor on ongoing academic initiatives within their institutions and sought guidance on enhancing research ecosystems and expanding educational outreach.
Governor Gupta expressed a strong interest in improving the quality of higher education in Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the need for increased collaboration between industry and academia, a stronger research focus among students, and the overall development of youth.
He stated, “Universities must go beyond conventional curricula and become centres of innovation, skill development, and nation-building.” He added, “There is an urgent need to equip students with industry-relevant skills, promote entrepreneurship and enhance employability through practical training, internships, and vocational integration within academic frameworks.”
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to academic excellence, institutional integrity, and transparency in university governance.
He assured the delegation of his full support and expressed hope that such engagements would encourage a culture of collaborative learning and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.