MDU has the potential for providing solutions to Delhi-NCR challenges: Lt Gen T S Sandhu

Rohtak, June 27, 2026: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday urged Maharshi Dayanand University to position itself as a centre for developing research-based solutions to the challenges facing the Delhi-NCR region, stressing that universities must align research with societal needs to remain globally relevant.

Interacting with the university's academic community, Lt.Gen. Sandhu said the changing global landscape demanded problem-oriented research focused on local, regional and national issues. He advocated stronger collaboration between universities and industry, saying such partnerships would drive innovation and enhance the global standing of Indian higher education institutions. "The future identity of Indian universities will be defined by global networking and meaningful research," he said.

Describing MDU as an institution with immense potential, Lt.Gen. Sandhu said its location in the National Capital Region offered a strategic advantage for interdisciplinary research and innovation. He urged the university to focus on priority areas such as biosciences, green energy, environmental conservation, pollution control, healthcare and agriculture. Referring to India's ageing population, he said assisted healthcare for ageing population would emerge as a major challenge and called for sustained research to develop practical solutions. He also encouraged the university to invite leading national and international experts for regular interaction with students and faculty to promote academic excellence.

Lt.Gen. Sandhu also praised the university's green campus, describing it as a model of environmental sustainability. He expressed confidence that the university would earn a distinct global identity in the coming years and said he looked forward to visiting the campus again to interact with students and faculty.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Punia welcomed the Lieutenant Governor and outlined the university's recent achievements in academics, research and sports. He said MDU alumni had made significant contributions in the armed forces, academia, corporate sector and research, while its sportspersons had won honours at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. He added that the university was expanding problem-oriented research especially in biosciences and pharmaceutical sciences and was preparing a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen teaching and research. MDU DAA Prof. A.S. Maan and others MDU academic functionaries offered their inputs during the interactive session.