Universities must reinvent as creativity hubs, says JNTUA chief

Speaking at the World Education Summit, JNTUA Vice-Chancellor Sudarsana Rao outlined a vision for transforming universities into dynamic centres of intellectual growth and experimentation. Rather than focusing solely on rote learning and credential acquisition, Rao argued that institutions must cultivate environments where creativity flourishes and students develop the capacity for independent thought.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that universities should become laboratories for research and inquiry, equipped to nurture problem-solving capabilities essential for addressing real-world challenges. Rao stressed the importance of embedding a research-oriented mindset across curricula, enabling students to move beyond passive knowledge consumption toward active intellectual engagement.

Central to Rao's vision is the concept of lifelong learning, positioning higher education not as a terminal qualification but as the foundation for continuous personal and professional development. The JNTUA chief's remarks reflect growing concerns among Indian academic leaders about the need to align educational outcomes with the evolving demands of a rapidly changing global economy.

The push for systemic reform comes amid broader national discussions about improving the quality and relevance of degree programs across Indian universities, particularly in technical and professional disciplines.