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CUTM objectives for 2047. We have set twin objectives for For that, case studies and problems should come from
2047. Firstly, to create a workforce of the future. For that industry. Research has to be commissioned by industry
we provide students with the right skills. These skills are to universities. Many corporates have their own R&D
aligned with of future requirements of industry to ensure divisions, but most of them lack academic rigour and
our graduates are job-ready. For this to truly be a success, depth. Universities can provide quality research based
we need to make education accessible and affordable for on industry requirements.
all. The second objective is to work toward attaining the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustain- Prescription for transforming India into a $30 trillion GDP
ability literacy is incorporated into all our curriculums. economy by 2047. Can there be a prescription? I don’t
think so. As a social scientist, I am concerned about the
Progress report. We are aware that achieving our objectives huge digital divide that can’t be bridged soon. There are
isn’t going to be easy. The biggest challenge in delivering still habitats where there is no internet connectivity and
skills-integrated education is to keep abreast of technol- people can’t even afford a mobile phone. We need to
ogy which is constantly changing. We are trying very hard steer our workforce in the right direction by upskilling
and moving in the right direction. them.

Initiatives to contemporise your syllabus/curriculum. We have India’s future growth and development. We hear this is an
incorporated latest technologies including AI, ML, IoT, exciting time for India, but we need to understand the
quantum computing, AR/VR and blockchain technology connotation of the word ‘exciting’. While AI and all tech
into our curricula. Not just in the field of engineering, jargon is very exciting, what exactly does it mean for
but also in other disciplines like agriculture, veterinary somebody who does not have access to the basic neces-
science, healthcare and management. Moreover, we have sities of life? I have just returned from visiting one of the
also incorporated indigenous knowledge. remotest parts of Odisha. People there are still living a
subsistence lifestyle where they grow their food and eat
Academia-industry engagement. We have over 70 partner- it. They have no money to send their children to school.
ships with industry. But with new technologies constantly I am aware this is a counter-narrative. But in Centurion
emerging, we have to keep pace and catch up with indus- University we have always examined the local context.
try requirements. We recognise that we cannot rest on Inclusive high-quality education is what will determine
past laurels; we have to keep moving ahead and innovate. India’s future growth and development, because much
of India still lives in its villages. National prosperity is
R&D and innovation initiatives. Quality research is our focus. dependent upon educating and skilling rural India.

Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese
Chairman, Hindustan Group of Institutions, Chennai

n alumnus of US International and Huron
universities (London) and Dongguk University,
ASeoul, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese is Chairman of
the Hindustan Group of Institutions and Chancellor of
the Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS)
Deemed-to-be University, Chennai.

What are the major objectives set for Hindustan Group until
India’s centenary year in 2047?
Our key objectives include establishing world-class incu-
bation hubs, advanced and deep-tech accelerators; trans-
forming HITS into one of the most preferred internation-
al education destinations; climbing to the top of global lege of Technology; Hindustan College of Arts & Science;
education rankings; building futuristic, multi-disciplinary Orient Flights Aviation Academy — the first private flying
schools focused on climate science, green mobility, ethics training school in India; Hindustan College, Mysuru and
in AI, law & governance, and signing strategic partner- three Hindustan International schools. Over the years we
ships with MNCs and governments. By 2047, Hindustan have certified over 100,000 individuals who are shaping
Group institutions will be ranked among the world’s most India and the world.
prestigious higher ed institutions and will actively shape Yet, we believe our journey has only just begun. To
the future of education, research, and nation-building. remain abreast of disruptive changes in technology and
education, our focus is on developing responsive, inclu-
How satisfied are you with your progress thus far? sive, and innovative institutions to produce tomorrow’s
Our first institution — Hindustan Institute of Engineering leaders.
Technology — was started in 1966. Since then, we’ve built
a constellation of institutions that includes HITS, a top- What are some initiatives to contemporise your syllabus/cur-
ranked university with NAAC A+ accreditation; KCG Col- riculum?

68 EDUCATIONWORLD JULY 2025