Universities must be socially responsible to be sustainable, says Kiran Bedi

Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi, who is also Chief Rector of Pondicherry University, launched the “From Corporate Social Responsibility to University Social Responsibility” initiative last week.

Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, PU, presided over the launch of what is the President of India’s new project.

During her presentation, Dr. Kiran Bedi said that universities “cannot be sustainable without being socially responsible,” especially in terms of procuring adequate funding and making higher education accessible to students of all socio-economic backgrounds.

In addition to issuing a social responsibility statement that defines its approach to CSR, the Pondicherry University should actively encourage community engagement and rely on partnering with local and international organisations to maximise its impact on society, Dr. Bedi said. The university should work with local primary and secondary schools to engage with children who come from backgrounds that don’t traditionally prioritise tertiary education and help them understand the benefits of higher learning. It should also have partnerships with other universities, businesses and even local hospitals, she added.

Ms. Bedi also said that corporate social responsibility has been a fixture in the business world for decades, and has become embedded in many universities as higher education leaders seek alternative ways to achieve sustainability.

“We need to be more creative and think more efficiently,” Dr Kiran Bedi said. “If we’re not socially responsible, then there is no future for our universities,” Dr. Bedi said.

Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Registrar, A. K. Prakash, Finance Officer, B. Chithra, Controller of Examinations, K. Mahesh, Assistant Registrar (PR), Heads of Departments, officers, staff, principals of government and affiliated colleges and students participated.