Chennai: VIT University Chancellor, Dr. Viswanathan, has called for increasing student intake in government-run universities and colleges to strengthen higher education access in India.

The statement was made during the inauguration of the three-day intellectual festival, Gravitas 2025, at the VIT Vellore campus. The festival features 207 events, 57 training workshops, 51 hackathons, robot wars, and a drone show, scheduled to continue until September 27.

Dr. Viswanathan highlighted that high costs of infrastructure, laboratories, and faculty appointments are limiting government institutions to small student populations, often only 1,000-2,000 per university. “This scenario needs urgent reform.

According to the 2011 census, out of 140 million people aged 18-23, only 40 million are pursuing higher education. The government must address the remaining population,” he said.

He emphasized that if India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, it must prioritize science, technology, research, and higher education.

Speaking at the event, Abu Dhabi Minister of Municipal Administration, Majid Ali Al Mansoori, underscored the importance of technical competence. “Global innovations, from the Internet to renewable energy, stem from the hard work of scientists. Students must develop solutions for challenges in AI, biotechnology, space exploration, and climate change,” he said.

VIT Vice President Shekhar Viswanathan, Executive Director Sandhya Pendareddy, Vice Chancellor Kanchana Baskaran, and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration.

The festival aims to nurture talent, promote innovation, and provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and technology-driven projects.