Puducherry: Pondicherry University's (PU) UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre on Thursday organised a one-day workshop for college principals in the Union Territory to enhance leadership and management capabilities in higher education institutions.

The programme was inaugurated by former University of Hyderabad Vice-Chancellor Prof. Appa Rao Podile, who stressed the role of principals in managing diversity and adapting to technological advancements in teaching and research. He said principals should focus on preparing Gen Z students for entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.

In his address, Puducherry Higher and Technical Education Director Aman Sharma highlighted the Union Territory's Gross Enrolment Ratio of 61.5 per cent, the second highest in the country, and its college density index of 53 per lakh population, the highest in India. He urged principals to adopt innovative practices and support the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including multiple entry-exit options and Academic Bank of Credits.

Avinashilingam Institute Vice-Chancellor Prof. V Bharathi Harishankar called for sharing best practices and embracing NEP-driven opportunities like skill development and online learning platforms. Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prakash Babu presided over the session and encouraged principals to set targets, expose students to university facilities, and leverage capacity-building initiatives.

Technical sessions covered themes such as academic leadership during Amrit Kaal and strategies for successful NEP implementation. The workshop concluded with Registrar Prof. Rajneesh Bhutani delivering the valedictory address and distributing certificates to participants.