New Delhi, May 3 (Bureau) With a legacy of leadership and academic prowess, Prof. KK Aggarwal who assumed the role of President at the South Asian University (SAU) for the next five years has outlined his vision for setting up a course for education innovation and regional collaboration during his tenure. This follows his tenure as the founding Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New Delhi. In a interview with UNI recently, Prof. Aggarwal unveiled his vision for SAU, for setting up a course for educational innovation and regional collaboration. With over five decades of experience in academia and leadership roles, his insights are eagerly awaited by educators, policymakers, and students alike. Speaking on the operational dynamics of the university, Prof. Aggarwal emphasised the shared funding model among member countries, ensuring a balanced representation of students from India, SAARC nations, and beyond.
Plans are underway to enhance diversity by introducing courses of mutual interest, such as disaster management and artificial intelligence applications tailored to regional needs. Addressing visa concerns for foreign students, the SAU President affirmed the institution’s commitment to facilitating admissions and supporting students through the visa process. He highlighted SAU’s robust placement record and generous scholarships, including a monthly stipend for PhD students along with tuition and hostel fee waivers. Looking ahead, SAU aims to expand its infrastructure with the construction of additional hostels, catering to the growing student population. Prof. Aggarwal also commended Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to engage youth in national development, underscoring the pivotal role of the young demographic in shaping the future.
Moreover, SAU is actively promoting awareness and outreach efforts, including press conferences and collaborations with educational bodies across SAARC countries. Prof. Aggarwal emphasised the unique learning environment at SAU, where students engage with peers from eight nations, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Recognising the pivotal role of technology in education, he stressed the importance of equipping students with technological literacy to address societal challenges effectively. With Prof. Aggarwal’s visionary leadership, SAU is poised to ascend as a beacon of knowledge and regional cooperation, ushering in a new era of educational excellence and innovation. Beyond academia, Prof. Aggarwal’s influence extends to the industrial realm, where he has delivered lectures and spearheaded programmes both domestically and internationally, further cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in education and industry.