The Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI) on December 16, 2024, in New Delhi hosted a Round Table on the role of Private Sector’s Role in Higher Education. The event brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and educational entrepreneurs to discuss the transformative role of the private sector in higher education in India. Prof. Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, who inaugurated the roundtable set the stage for thoughtful dialogues on the “Role of the Private Sector in Transforming Higher Education in India.”
Moderated by Mr. Gurucharan Gollerkeri, Director of M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, the panel of Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Pro-Chancellor of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research; Dr. Amit Banerjee, Chancellor of Siksha O Anusandhan; Prof. Victor Gambhir, President of JECRC University, Jaipur; Prof. N J Pawar, Vice Chancellor of Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth; and Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of Goa Institute of Management spoke about challenges of medical education schools.
The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to enhancing accessibility and bridging the skills gap in higher education. Private institutions bring in significant innovation, investment, and expertise, playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, introducing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering industry-academia collaborations.
It was followed by a session on Leadership and Excellence in Education. Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All-India Council for Technical Education, who was the chief guest address, in his address emphasized the necessity for private sector involvement in education.
“The participation of the private sector is vital for creating a more inclusive and accessible education system that can cater to diverse populations and drive socio-economic development. It will also ensure that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital age, contributing to India’s aspiration of becoming a Vishwa Guru,” said Dr. MR Jayaram, President, EPSI Chancellor, Ramaiah University.
A major highlight of the event was a felicitation programme honouring Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Council (MLCs), and Senior Educationists such as Dr. G Viswanathan, Dr. M R Jayaram and Dr. Vedprakash Mishra. The honourees included S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, MP (Rajya Sabha), Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, MP (Rajya Sabha), Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu, MP (Lok Sabha), and Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli, MP (Lok Sabha). These distinguished individuals were recognised for their substantial contributions to the field of education.
