Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh: Prof. Dr. Prakash Divakaran, Vice Chancellor of Himalayan University, Jollang, Itanagar, had the privilege of presenting his co-authored book, “Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru’s Philosophy of Education & Skill Development,” to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu Ji, during the inaugural session of the Round Table of Vice Chancellors of Northeast held at Pasighat.
The Round Table was centred on the timely and significant theme, “Transforming Higher Education: Innovations, Collaborations and Strategies for a Future-Ready India.” The programme brought together distinguished political leaders, policymakers and academic administrators to deliberate on the transformation of higher education in the Northeast.
The programme was attended by Advisor (Home & Education) Shri Mutchu Mithi Ji, State BJP President Shri Kaling Moyong Ji, Advisor (HPD) Shri Ninong Ering Ji, MLAs Er. Tapi Darang Ji, Shri Oken Tayeng Ji and Shri Oni Panyang Ji, Dr. Amrendra Pani, Joint Director, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Dr. Avinash Kharel, Dean of Campuses, Rashtriya Raksha University, and Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Campus Director, RRU–Pasighat Campus, among other distinguished dignitaries and academic leaders.
The Round Table, jointly organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, and EDLD & Pasighat Campus, Rashtriya Raksha University, provided an important platform for Vice Chancellors and higher education leaders to exchange ideas on innovation, institutional collaboration, technology integration, skill development, research and strategies for creating a future-ready higher education ecosystem.
Presenting the book to the Chief Minister added a special academic and cultural dimension to the occasion. The book, co-authored by Prof. Dr. Prakash Divakaran and Dr. Sureshkumar Madhusudhanan, explores the educational philosophy of Sree Narayana Guru, particularly his vision of education, empowerment, knowledge, skill development and social transformation.
The book had earlier achieved a significant national distinction when it was released at Sivagiri by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, during the Sivagiri pilgrimage programme. The release marked an important recognition of the continuing relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s philosophy in contemporary education and nation-building.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Prof. Dr. Prakash Divakaran said that Sree Narayana Guru’s vision of education transcends time and geography, emphasising knowledge, equality, human dignity, skill development and social responsibility. He observed that these principles have strong relevance to the objectives of NEP 2020 and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted that the Northeast possesses enormous potential in terms of youth, talent, cultural diversity, natural resources and knowledge traditions. Strengthening collaboration among universities and creating opportunities for research, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development can play a transformative role in unlocking this potential.
The Round Table concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions and contributing to the emergence of the Northeast as a vibrant centre of knowledge, innovation, research and human potential in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
The presentation of the book to the Hon’ble Chief Minister symbolised the convergence of education, cultural heritage, leadership and nation-building, while reaffirming the importance of integrating India’s intellectual traditions with the aspirations of a future-ready higher education system.
