Arunachal CM Pema Khandu honours Himalayan University VC Prakash DivakaranTimes news networkPUNE: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu honoured the academic contribution of Himalayan University vice chancellor Prof Dr Prakash Divakaran at a roundtable of vice chancellors from the Northeast held in Pasighat, where discussions centred on strengthening higher education through innovation, collaboration and skill development.During the inaugural ceremony, Divakaran presented his co authored book, “Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives: Sree Narayana Guru’s Philosophy of Education & Skill Development”, to Khandu. The chief minister appreciated Divakaran’s academic contribution and his efforts to promote the educational philosophy and social vision of Sree Narayana Guru.Divakaran, who has professional associations with Pune, is currently serving as vice chancellor of Himalayan University, Jollang, Itanagar. He has been contributing to higher education, research, innovation and academic collaborations.The roundtable was jointly organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, and National Raksha University (RRU), EDLD and Pasighat Campus. It was held on the theme, “Transforming Higher Education: Innovations, Collaborations and Strategies for a Future Ready India.”The meeting brought together vice chancellors, senior academic leaders, policymakers and education experts to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education, with particular focus on the Northeast.Discussions covered innovation, institutional collaboration, quality enhancement, technology enabled education, research, skill development and strategies for developing a future ready higher education ecosystem.The event was attended by Home and Education Advisor Mutchu Mithi, State BJP president Kaling Moyong, HPD Advisor Ninong Ering, MLA Engr Tapi Darang, Oken Tayeng and Oni Panyang.Senior academic and administrative representatives included Dr Amarendra Pani, joint director, Association of Indian Universities; Dr Avinash Kharel, campus dean, National Raksha University; and Dr Sanjeev Singh, director, RRU Pasighat Campus.The recognition of Divakaran’s academic work at the roundtable also highlighted the role of academic leadership and knowledge exchange in strengthening higher education institutions in the Northeast. The deliberations focused on building greater institutional collaboration and preparing higher education systems to meet the requirements of a future ready India and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
