Guwahati: The Gauhati University Teachers' Association (GUTA) on Thursday organised a Distinguished Lecture Forum on "Inherited Structures to Futuristic Universities: Strategies for Transition," bringing together leading academic voices to deliberate on the future of universities in India.
The session featured Professor Alak Kumar Buragohain, Vice Chancellor, Royal Global University, and Professor Amarendra Kumar Das, Vice Chancellor (in charge), Tezpur University, who offered deep insights into the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing global and technological landscape.
Professor Buragohain emphasized that universities have never been static institutions but resilient entities that evolve with societal needs.
He underscored that while technology will reshape learning ecosystems, the core values of higher education, such as enlightenment, critical thinking, and civilizational continuity, must remain intact.
He highlighted that universities, being deeply embedded in society, must adapt with balance and responsibility rather than react to technological disruptions alone.
Professor Amarendra Kumar Das drew from his experience across premier institutions to stress that universities must focus on creating value for students and research scholars.
He noted that while strong academic programs will continue to thrive, institutions must reorient systems to respond to emerging challenges, including interdisciplinary, applied knowledge, and shifting employment landscapes shaped by artificial intelligence.
The discussion was moderated by Professor Amit Choudhury, Vice President of GUTA, who framed the conversation by highlighting the historical constraints of India's higher education system and the transformative promise of NEP 2020.
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He posed critical questions on structural reform, leadership, research capacity, equity, and the role of faculty as both custodians and change agents.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University addressed challenges faced by universities and urged the teaching community to reorient themselves in the face of upcoming technological changes.
GUTA President Dwipen Bezbarua also underscored the importance of the topic in the context to present day requirement and requested the invited speakers to enlighten the audience on how a traditional university like Gauhati University can reorient itself to meet the requirements of the future.
The forum also explored issues such as institutional transition, faculty support, and defining success over the next decade. The deliberations underscored the urgency of reimagining universities while preserving their intellectual heritage.
The event concluded with a shared recognition that the journey toward futuristic universities will depend on collective vision, adaptive leadership, and sustained commitment.