MDU’s New Mantra: Skill Students, Fuel Startups, Create Jobs
Girish Saini
Aug 21, 2026 09:14
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Rohtak, August 21, 2026: Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) has placed students at the heart of its action plan for the academic session 2026-27, with a strong focus on skill development, research, innovation, startups and employment-oriented initiatives. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Poonia shared the roadmap at a meeting with deans, heads of departments, directors and centre heads on Friday.
Prof. Poonia said the university’s aim was not merely to produce degree holders but to equip students with skills, employability and entrepreneurial capabilities. He directed every department to prepare a Calendar of Academic and Research Activities, covering lectures, special lectures, training programmes, workshops and research initiatives to provide students with practical knowledge and continuous learning opportunities.
Calling for a stronger startup culture on campus, Prof. Poonia urged departments to encourage students towards self-employment and provide a platform and support for their innovative ideas. “Students should not only become job seekers but also job creators,” he said.
He also stressed quality teaching, research and innovation, directing departments to connect students with research, technical skills and practical activities. Regular classes and continuous interaction between teachers and students were emphasised as key priorities.
The Vice-Chancellor called for greater emphasis on co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, saying these help develop logical thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities and leadership skills among students.
Issues concerning research scholars were also discussed. Prof. Poonia directed officials to ensure better academic guidance and prompt resolution of their problems while creating a conducive environment for high-quality and impactful research.
He said capacity building of students in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 would remain a key priority for MDU in the new academic session.
Dean, Academic Affairs Prof. A.S. Mann, Registrar Prof. Sandeep Bansal, deans of various faculties, directors of centres and heads of departments attended the meeting.
