| Photo Credit: Photo Credita: visvabharati.ac.in
In what can be seen as a case of art seeking to embrace industry, Visva-Bharati is hosting a major University Grants Commission-organised (UGC) conference of educational institutions across east and northeast India where administrators will discuss how to upskill students with technology so that getting jobs becomes easier for them.
Close to 400 universities and autonomous colleges from 11 States of the east and northeast have been invited for the big conference, called VIKAS 2025, to be held at Bangladesh Bhavana on the Rabindranath Tagore-founded university on Friday (November 28, 2025).
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“The UGC has not organised any of its prestigious zonal conferences at Visva-Bharati at least in the last 20 years and the secretary of the UGC himself will be present for the event along with other dignitaries, such M. Jagadesh Kumar, former chairperson of the UGC. The present chairperson of UGC will join the conference online and send a video message,” Atig Ghosh, PRO of Visva-Bharati, told The Hindu.
“The UGC has launched the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme, which is expected to be a major initiative to enable students enrolled in undergraduate programmes to undertake practical training in identified industries. This unique programme is expected to benefit the students by enhancing their employability and making them globally competent. In this conference delegates will focus on the implementation aspects of the programme and on skilling,” Mr. Ghosh said.
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Many teachers feel it is an important moment for the Visva-Bharati considering it has been chosen by the UGC to host an event being participated by close to 400 institutions, something that is likely to showcase its heritage and enhance its tourism potential. Also, since the university very recently organised its first industry-academia meet, they are expecting the thrust on creating an interface between the two to deepen with this event.
“Pure science or humanities degrees are increasingly witnessing lesser enrolment because the syllabus is not industry-ready. Vocational courses, applied sciences and courses like mass communication, etc. are more in demand. Also, integration of technology in education is becoming a new thrust area with the development of AI. Hence, we need to tailor our courses to suit industry needs,” a senior professor of Visva-Bharati, who did not wish to be named, said.
Published – November 26, 2025 03:24 pm IST
