Vice Chancellors Can Become The Real Reformers As They Have Youth Power: Kiran Bedi

Vice Chancellors are the biggest administrators who have the capabilities to bring a revolutionary change in society, said, Dr Kiran Bedi, Former Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry, at the first National Women Vice Chancellors’ Conference organised by IILM University, Gurugram.

Dr Bedi said that the involvement of girls and women in the field of academics has increased significantly over the years but there is still a ‘pipeline leakage’ that women’s number is not sufficient among the posts of principals, head of the department and other administrative ranks. 

Focussing on the role of Vice Chancellors in Universities, Dr Sujata Shahi, Vice Chancellor, IILM University, said, “The role of women Vice Chancellors and leaders in higher education, is particularly critical in driving this change. As agents of transformation, we have the power to shape policies, advocate for inclusivity and challenge the status quo.”

The event was graced by other dignitaries like Dr SY Quraishi, Chancellor, IILM University and Former President, AIU; Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU Presidential; Prof G D Sharma, President, AIU and VC, USTM, Meghalaya and Atul Kothari Ji, Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas. 

Dr Bedi mentioned work-life balance as the major issue of why gold medallist girls leave their studies and work after marriage and asked the present women Vice Chancellors to enroll the courses like work-life management and gender perception in their respective universities.

“Vice Chancellors can become the real reformers as they have youth power,” mentioned Dr Bedi and motivated every woman VC present in the event to work effectively so that their university will be recognised for their remarkable performance in education as well as in the field of socio-economic changes.

She also suggested that women's VCs focus on physical wellness inside the university as deterioration of health is one of the factors that resist women to grow in their respective sectors. 

While addressing the eminent women VCs, Former Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry said that as India is aiming to become the third largest economy by 2047, youth function as the engine to this goal while Vice Chancellors are the fuel to this engine.

Universities are known to be the epicentre of research and development and Dr Bedi emphasised the same. She added, “Universities need research. Research universities need transformation. Research universities need character building. You are not teachers, you are transformers.”

The event was prominent in the sense as it was the first National Conference of Women Vice Chancellor in order to encourage their leadership and work so that the universities will elevate in every aspect. 

The IILM Educational group was founded by The Ram Krishan & Sons Charitable Trust in 1993. With more than 28 years of experience in training future entrepreneurs and leaders, it has emerged as one of the distinguished universities in Delhi NCR.