North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, has been elected as an Executive Council member of the prestigious Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), United Kingdom. This significant achievement marks a milestone for NEHU and underscores its growing prominence on the global higher education stage.
The ACU, through its extensive network of member institutions, plays a crucial role in enhancing global higher education. Its main functions are to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among member universities, encourage academic and research partnerships, and advocate for policies that support high-quality higher education.
The ACU aims to improve the quality and accessibility of education by facilitating joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and sharing best practices. This collaborative approach ensures that member institutions benefit from global expertise and resources, contributing to a more interconnected and advanced higher education system that supports sustainable development and equitable access to education across the Commonwealth.
Prof. Shukla emphasised the benefits his election will bring to NEHU and other universities in the North East region.
“My election will significantly benefit NEHU, its affiliated colleges, and other universities in the northeast region by opening new avenues for international collaboration and exchange. It will enable NEHU to develop stronger partnerships with universities across the Commonwealth, enhance our research capabilities, and access global expertise. This role will allow us to share and adopt best practices in teaching, learning, and administration, driving innovation and increasing our global visibility,” he said.
As a new member of the ACU Executive Council, Prof. Shukla said that his primary goals would be to enhance international collaboration in higher education, promote R&D initiatives, and advocate for quality education.
“I aim to strengthen partnerships between member universities, particularly focusing on NEHU’s efforts for the internationalisation of higher education as envisioned in NEP 2020. Additionally, I plan to integrate innovative technologies and best practices in education to address current challenges and drive growth,” he said.
Prof. Shukla also highlighted the potential of indigenous and natural products of the North East region in promoting entrepreneurship activities. “The indigenous and natural products of the northeast region offer immense potential for promoting entrepreneurship activities. In collaboration with ACU, we can encourage innovative business ventures using local resources and traditional knowledge, contributing to sustainable development. This support will help explore the unique strengths of the northeast region and promote economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.
In his message to NEHU colleagues and students, Prof. Shukla expressed the significant opportunities this role brings. “This role will enable me to advocate for NEHU on a global stage. Through these global connections, we can enhance our academic and research capabilities, offer our students unique learning experiences, and attract top-tier faculty and researchers,” he said.
Prof. Shukla called for the support and participation of NEHU’s stakeholders in these initiatives and said, “The support and participation of our faculties and students in these initiatives will be crucial. By working together, we can explore these opportunities to propel NEHU into the international spotlight, which can contribute to our growth and success on a global scale. Let’s embrace this chance to advance NEHU’s reputation and impact worldwide.”
