Experts emphasise need for more practical learning

Vice-Chancellors of various universities and other resource persons at the session on higher education emphasised the need for adapting practical learning in all the streams, including Arts and Commerce.

Participating in a panel discussion on “Reimagining Higher Education for Industry-ready graduates” on the second day of Development Dialogue 2026 here on Saturday, the experts felt that real challenge was how to use technology wisely for acquiring knowledge and capacity building.

Vice-Chancellor of Rani Channamma University C.M. Thyagaraja said that Artificial Intelligence would not completely take over the world in the future, but humans should learn how to use technology wisely. He wondered whether parents and students were ready for the changing education system.

Vice-Chancellor of Gulbarga University Shashikant S. Udikeri spoke on the challenges involved in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). “Change is necessary at all levels, especially for teachers, who often find it difficult to adapt to new teaching methods and curriculum changes,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of continuous evaluation, and said that what students asked and learnt mattered more than what was asked of them.

Co-founder, PGC Digital and Pradeep IT Private Ltd, Vinod Beli, said that graduates should clearly understand job roles before applying for jobs. He pointed out that many students lacked accountability, responsibility, and proper skills.

CSR manager at Infosys Foundation Shanthi said that organisations looked for basic skills and the right attitude in fresh graduates and curiosity, critical thinking and the ability to learn and adapt were highly valued.

She added that universities should continuously upskill students so that the gap between education and industry could be reduced.

The formal inauguration of Development Dialogue 2026 was held on Friday evening with co-founder of Deshpande Foundation Gururaj Deshpande elaborating on the work being done by the foundation in the Hubballi sandbox.

Padma Shri awardee and Cyient founder B.V.R. Mohan Reddy lauded the foundation for its ongoing initiatives, especially with regard to creating infrastructure created for startups and skill development.