– Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University

India today celebrates its regional richness and traditional wisdom while asserting independent, Indigenous thought, signalling a shift away from the perceived superiority of Western frameworks. As the nation pursues the vision of Viksit Bharat, this energy must also strengthen higher education institutions that are rooted in Indianness yet globally oriented.

The NEP 2020 has the potential to be a game-changer. It prioritises student-centred learning, offering flexible, demand-driven pathways beyond traditional stream-based education. By promoting interdisciplinary, inclusive, and innovation-driven education, it lays the foundation for a developed India.

To realise this vision, higher education curricula must integrate community immersion, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), sustainability, and climate change. Community engagement helps students understand real-world challenges, while IKS draws from centuries of sustainable and resilient practices. These experiences equip students to design climate-resilient, forward-thinking solutions for India and the wider world.

Addressing climate change requires sustainability to be embedded across society. Urban design and architecture play a critical role in aligning urban development with future climate needs. To prepare the next generation of professionals, universities must cultivate curricula that foster awareness, empathy, and responsibility, enabling graduates to create sustainable urban environments and meaningful human–environment relationships.

This is an opportune moment for higher education institutions to embrace contextual, interdisciplinary, and flexible education, ensuring India is firmly on the path to achieving the long-standing dream of Viksit Bharat.

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