Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday, 31 May called on the state's universities to transform into globally competitive, socially responsible and technologically advanced institutions — while staying anchored in Indian values. Speaking at the Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State Public Universities and Private Universities at Lok Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, he stressed that higher education must be a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat and must prepare Odisha for the challenges ahead.

Key Developments at the Conference

Welcoming the assembled Vice-Chancellors, Governor Kambhampati described the gathering as a 'significant collective effort to shape the future of higher education in Odisha.' He underscored that universities are centres of knowledge, innovation and leadership with a 'crucial responsibility in nation-building.'

Noting that the world is undergoing unprecedented transformation driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving global challenges, he urged institutions to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to navigate an increasingly complex future.

What the Governor Said on Atmanirbhar Bharat and Innovation

'The vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat extends beyond economic self-reliance and encompasses innovation, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and education. Universities must foster entrepreneurship and innovation, empowering young people to become catalysts for growth and development in society,' Kambhampati said.

He also highlighted the transformative potential of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, praising its emphasis on multidisciplinary education, academic flexibility, skill integration, digital learning, research excellence and stronger industry partnerships. He appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Odisha government in advancing NEP implementation.

Focus on Tribal Heritage and Indigenous Research

Drawing attention to Odisha's rich tribal heritage, the Governor urged universities to undertake meaningful research on indigenous knowledge systems, tribal traditions and cultural preservation. He informed the conference that publications documenting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), prepared by the Tribal Cell of Lok Bhavan, would be made available to universities to support academic study and research initiatives. This move signals an effort to bridge formal academia with the state's deeply layered cultural identity.

Chief Minister Majhi's Vision for Odisha by 2036

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also attended the conference, reinforced that universities are 'not merely degree-awarding institutions but centres of knowledge creation, innovation and research.' He highlighted the state government's enhanced budgetary allocation for the education sector and outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education.

'Odisha has set an ambitious target of becoming a developed state by 2036 and contributing significantly to the national vision of Viksit Bharat,' the Chief Minister said, calling on educational institutions to prepare a roadmap for inclusive development and help transform Odisha into a major growth engine of the country.

What Comes Next

The conference, bringing together Vice-Chancellors of both public and private universities, is expected to feed into actionable policy directives for Odisha's higher education sector. With NEP 2020 implementation still uneven across states, Odisha's push — backed by both its Governor and Chief Minister — positions the state as a potential model for aligning university governance with national education goals. Whether the commitments translate into measurable outcomes in research output, employability and tribal knowledge preservation will be the real test.