Bhubaneswar: Curtains came down on the two-day Central Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), hosted by KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU) in the KISS Deemed to be University. The conference, which primarily focused on the internationalization of higher education, brought together thought leaders and academicians from across the country to discuss strategies for global collaborations in education.
Themed ‘Globalization and Internationalization,’ the event deliberated on key topics such as strategies for international collaborations, global classrooms, attracting international faculty and students, and the challenges and opportunities in the internationalization of higher education. The conference also included discussions on innovative assessment and evaluation practices, emphasizing project-based learning, experiential assessments, and digital technologies to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills among students.
AIU President Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak emphasized the need for equitable internationalization. “We are focusing on fostering partnerships with various countries and ensuring a balanced approach. Hard negotiations with international universities are required to achieve meaningful collaborations,” he said.
AIU Secretary General Prof. Pankaj Mittal highlighted AIU’s pivotal role in shaping Indian higher education. With 1,068 member universities, including 19 foreign institutions, AIU is the world’s largest association of universities. It serves as a think tank for higher education and has established an Indian network for internationalization to guide universities through the process.
Among others, Prof. Amareswar Galla, UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums & Sustainable Heritage Development and Pro-Chancellor, KISS-DU; Prof. William Cope and Prof. Mary Kalantzis from the University of Illinois shared their insights on fostering global classrooms and cross-border academic exchanges.
While Prof. Saranjit Singh, VC, KIIT-DU welcomed the attendees, Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar proposed vote of thanks. Vijendra Kumar, Head, Meetings Division, AIU and the Nodal Officers for the conference was also present.
Vice Chancellors from the Central Zone, representing the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh as well as representatives from AICTE, NAAC, NDSC, and ICAR were also present.
The recommendations will be presented at the National Conference of Vice Chancellors, culminating in a University Action Plan that will be submitted to Governors of all states, Ministries, and apex higher education bodies such as UGC, AICTE, NAAC, and ICAR for necessary actions.
