Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], October 26: On the occasion of the Ahmedabad International Book Festival (AIBF 2026), the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Gujarat University jointly organised a Vice Chancellors’ Roundtable Conference on the theme “*Transforming Higher Education and Civic Collaboration for Viksit Bharat 2047* at the Riverfront Event Centre, Ahmedabad.
The special conference was held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM at Dome 2 of the Riverfront Event Centre.
The high-level meeting was attended by Shri Mukesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department; Shri Banchhanidhi Pani, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, AMC; Shri Bhagyesh Jha, Chairman, Gujarat Sahitya Akademi; Prof. Dr. Jagdish Joshi, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University; Prof. Dr. Ami Upadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU); Prof. Dr. Niranjan Patel, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Patel University (SPU); Prof. Dr. Mukesh Patel, Chancellor, Indian Institute of Teacher Education (IITE); Prof. Dr. Utpal Joshi, Vice Chancellor, Saurashtra University; Prof. Dr. T. S. Joshi, Vice Chancellor, Children’s University; Dr. B. S. Patel, Provost, Sabarmati University; and the Provost of Anant National University.
In addition, registrars and representatives of various universities across Gujarat, heads of postgraduate departments at Gujarat University, senior AMC officials, and other distinguished dignitaries participated in the conference.
Keynote Addresses and Deliberations
The conference commenced with an address by Shri Mukesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, who shared insightful and inspiring perspectives on the theme of the roundtable.
Subsequently, Shri Banchhanidhi Pani, IAS, Municipal Commissioner of AMC, congratulated Gujarat University for becoming the Knowledge Partner for AIBF 2026, organised by AMC in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), and for taking the lead in organising the Vice Chancellors’ Roundtable Conference.
He also presented important suggestions on strengthening collaboration between AMC and universities, highlighting opportunities to work together in urban development and the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Shri Bhagyesh Jha, Chairman of Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, shared his views on the successful implementation of the various objectives of the National Education Policy and emphasised the importance of mutual cooperation and coordinated efforts among institutions.
On the occasion, Prof. Dr. Jagdish Joshi, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, stated:
“Gujarat University has successfully undertaken academic and practical initiatives in accordance with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Going forward, in line with the suggestions of the Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner, and under the guidance of the State Higher and Technical Education Department, the University will undertake special initiatives to strengthen collaboration between academia and local self-government in urban development, research, and civic services, alongside the effective implementation of NEP. These efforts will contribute towards realising the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.”
Strategic Blueprint for Higher Education and Urban Development
During the roundtable conference, a strategic blueprint was developed to promote coordinated growth in higher education and urban development.
1. Strengthening the Implementation of NEP 2020
As part of the accelerated implementation of the National Education Policy, universities resolved to strengthen multidisciplinary courses, the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), flexible entry and exit options, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and skill development programmes. These initiatives aim to provide students with practical exposure and enhance their academic and professional capabilities.
2. Strengthening AMC–Academia Partnerships
A key decision was to strengthen partnerships between the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and universities to facilitate collaboration in urban development, smart city projects, open data initiatives, climate resilience, and civic governance.
The initiative will also focus on creating opportunities for students through specialised civic internships and fellowships, enabling them to gain practical experience while contributing to the city’s development.
3. Positioning Ahmedabad as a Global Knowledge and Cultural Capital
In alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the conference emphasised the need to establish Ahmedabad as a global knowledge and cultural capital.
The participants also discussed developing research and innovation clusters in the education sector through institutional collaboration and a joint roadmap.
Furthermore, an official White Paper outlining the strategic roadmap and key recommendations was released during the conference.
Successful Conclusion
The conference concluded on a positive and collaborative note with a vote of thanks, a group photograph, and a lunch gathering.
The event marked an important step towards strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, with a shared commitment to advancing education, research, innovation, and sustainable urban development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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