Guwahati, Jan 8: Prof. G. D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) and former President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), played a pivotal role at the AIU East Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet 2025–26, hosted by Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, during December 22–23, 2025.
Chairing the Technical Session on “Research and Innovation in Higher Education Institutions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, Prof. Sharma delivered a thought-provoking address, underlining the evolving responsibility of universities as engines of innovation, social transformation and sustainable development.
Addressing Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from across the eastern region, Prof. Sharma emphasised that higher education institutions must move beyond traditional teaching models and become problem-oriented, outcome-driven and impact-focused. He stated that universities today are not merely centres of learning but key stakeholders in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, public health and sustainable economic growth, according to a Press release.
Highlighting the importance of aligning research with societal needs, Prof. Sharma remarked that the silo-based approach to education and research is no longer viable. He called for interdisciplinary collaboration, industry–academia partnerships, incubation centres and start-up ecosystems to nurture innovation and empower students and researchers as change-makers and entrepreneurs.
Prof. Sharma further stressed that sustainability must be embedded holistically not only in research agendas, but also in curricula, campus operations, governance structures, energy and waste management systems, and community engagement initiatives. According to him, green campuses, inclusive policies and digital research infrastructure are essential to making sustainable development a lived institutional practice rather than a theoretical concept.
Referring to the national vision of Viksit Bharat, Prof. Sharma urged universities to align their research priorities with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s development agenda. He highlighted the critical role of leadership, stating that Vice Chancellors and institutional heads must create enabling environments through supportive policies, ethical research practices, adequate funding opportunities and a culture that values creativity and collaboration.
The session, chaired by Prof. Sharma, witnessed active participation from distinguished Vice Chancellors and academicians, leading to meaningful deliberations and actionable recommendations for strengthening research and innovation ecosystems in higher education institutions.
The AIU East Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet 2025–26 concluded successfully, reinforcing the collective commitment of academic leadership towards sustainability, social responsibility and innovation in higher education, with Prof. G. D. Sharma’s insights providing a strong intellectual and strategic direction for the way forward.
USTM promotes cutting-edge research that addresses regional and global challenges, a university ranked among the top 200 universities in India by NIRF 2024 and the only private university in Northeast India to receive an ‘A’ Grade from NAAC in its first cycle.
