Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) on January 10 inaugurated a three-day grand celebration to mark University Day, reflecting on three decades of its academic journey while charting a visionary roadmap towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The inaugural session was held in a dignified and celebratory atmosphere, bringing together eminent academicians, policymakers and thought leaders.
The programme was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, while the Chief Guest was Prof. K. V. Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Professor at Chanakya University, Bengaluru. Prof. B. Hanumaiah, former Vice-Chancellor of BBAU, attended as Guest of Honour. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Furqan Qamar, former Advisor (Education), Planning Commission, Government of India, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh Central University. Other dignitaries on the dais included Program Convenor Prof. Ram Chandra and Prof. Kushendra Mishra.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes to the statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, followed by the rendition of the University Kulgeet. The guests were formally welcomed with saplings, symbolising sustainability and growth. Prof. Ram Chandra outlined the objectives and structure of the University Day celebrations, while the proceedings were conducted by Dr. Lata Bajpai Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal said BBAU’s development journey represents a continuous process of academic, cultural and social construction driven by ideas. “Ideas lead to innovation, innovation to enterprise, and enterprise ultimately to nation-building,” he remarked. He emphasised that the vision of a Developed India cannot be realised through economic strength alone, but through inclusive empowerment and participation of all sections of society. Prof. Mittal stressed that the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) must serve as a dynamic roadmap aligned with the vision of Developed India 2047, rather than remaining a mere document.
Highlighting employment as a key national challenge, he called for a shift from job-seeking to job-creation among youth through skill-based micro-courses, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, effective use of infrastructure and meaningful integration of technology in education. He also underlined the importance of mental balance in a high-pressure global environment and urged a return to Indian knowledge traditions, noting that the National Education Policy 2020 echoes this philosophy.
Chief Guest Prof. K. V. Raju described BBAU’s 30-year journey as rich, purposeful and achievement-oriented, while urging stakeholders to now set clear, outcome-driven goals for the next 22 years. He highlighted the crucial role of the Institutional Development Plan in defining priorities and impact, noting that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the first state to adopt a large-scale consultative process for Viksit Bharat 2047, receiving over 9.8 million suggestions. Prof. Raju emphasised that by 2047, universities must measure success against global benchmarks, adopt artificial intelligence, prioritise skill-based curricula, and create environments that attract international students. He also advocated public–private partnerships and innovation-led education to position BBAU as a global knowledge hub.
Former Vice-Chancellor Prof. B. Hanumaiah recalled the university’s early years and described its transformation into a modern institution with robust infrastructure, diverse academic programmes, quality research and innovation as “remarkable and inspiring”. He credited this progress to visionary planning, timely faculty recruitment, improved funding and collective commitment of the university community.
In his keynote address, Prof. Furqan Qamar highlighted BBAU’s NAAC A++ accreditation, strong infrastructure, research output and cultural vibrancy as markers of its growth. He stressed that institutional progress requires vision and aspiration beyond resources. Calling inclusive development the cornerstone of a developed nation, he emphasised increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education through affordability, equity and quality. Prof. Qamar also advocated greater investment in education, and underscored the 3Fs—Funding, Faculty and Freedom—as essential for academic excellence, adding that critical thinking remains the true essence of knowledge creation.
During the programme, the University Media Centre screened a documentary showcasing BBAU’s journey from inception to the present. A booklet on the university’s development saga and the Institutional Development Plan was released, and Prof. Kushendra Mishra presented the draft IDP. The dignitaries were honoured with shawls and mementos, while Prof. Shoora Darapuri delivered the vote of thanks. Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officers, staff, research scholars and students attended in large numbers.
The University Day celebrations will continue till January 12, featuring academic and cultural events. On January 11, a seminar titled “Viksit Bharat Ke Sankalp Ki Siddhi Hetu Samajik Parivartan Ka Ahwahan” will be held under the chairmanship of Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. Eminent speakers including Prof. Ishwar Sharan Vishwakarma, Prof. Sadanand Prasad Gupta, Dr. Chaman Lal Banga, Prof. Rajsharan Shahi, Shri Sanjay Shri Harsh and Prof. Dhruv Sen Singh will deliberate on themes such as social harmony, mother tongue preservation, Swadeshi spirit, environmental conservation, sense of duty and family enlightenment, aimed at fostering social transformation and strengthening national consciousness.
