October 6–7 in New Delhi, At the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, held on October 6–7 in New Delhi, global education leaders and policymakers came together under the theme “Higher Education in a Transforming World: Bridging Borders, Building Futures.” The two-day summit served as a dynamic platform for reimagining the role of higher education in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Representing Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Dr. Bhavani Rao R, UNESCO Chair and Dean of the Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, spoke at a panel session titled “The Role of Higher Education in Promoting Sustainability.”
Dr. Rao highlighted the philosophy of compassion-driven education, inspired by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. She explained how Amma’s vision of education transcends academic achievement—encouraging students to:
Earn a living with skill,
Cultivate mental and emotional maturity,
Honour their debts to family and nature,
Practice gratitude, and
Realize their interconnectedness with the universe.
She elaborated on how Amrita’s experiential learning programs integrate students directly into rural communities, where they live alongside residents, identify challenges, and co-create sustainable solutions through rural technology interventions. These hands-on experiences cultivate compassion, social awareness, and innovation rooted in empathy and respect for local wisdom.
Dr. Rao emphasized that even in an era defined by artificial intelligence, Amrita’s model of education continues to foster a genuine thirst for learning, guiding students to pursue knowledge with curiosity, purpose, and compassion.
As the summit explored how universities can respond to pressing global challenges—from climate action to social equity—Dr. Rao’s message resonated deeply:
“Universities must not only train professionals — but also nurture hearts, minds, and communities.”
Her participation underscored Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s commitment to an education that transforms lives, blending science with spirituality, and innovation with compassion — truly embodying education for life and living.
