The Bharat Higher Education Summit (BHES) 2025, hosted by Mahindra University’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell and organised by the Confederation of Indian Private Universities (CIPU), convened over 150 Vice Chancellors and academic leaders to reimagine the future of higher education in India.
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. (Dr.) T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, called for a radical shift towards research-based, interdisciplinary learning in alignment with NEP 2020. “India’s higher education institutions must lead the way in cultivating visionary leadership to meet global challenges,” he stated, adding that private universities will be key to achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2035.
Anand Mahindra, Chancellor of Mahindra University, in a message read by Prof. (Dr.) Yajulu Medury, stressed the summit’s role in building a knowledge-driven economy. “To thrive globally, we must nurture curiosity, foster fearless leadership, and promote innovation,” he noted.
Prof. Medury welcomed delegates, calling BHES 2025 a “collaborative movement” focused on excellence, sustainability, and future-ready leadership. Dr. Rahul Karad, Chief Patron of CIPU, emphasised co-creation and a unified voice for private universities to drive inclusive educational progress.
Keynote speaker Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe highlighted the need for integrity and innovation in accreditation, while panels explored digital leadership, entrepreneurship in academia, and public-private partnerships in research.
The summit concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) G.K. Shirude, reinforcing the call for sustained collaboration to strengthen India’s academic credibility globally.
