New Delhi : Established with a vision to be the role model of learning, research, innovation, and sustainability for the knowledge society, the University of the Future NIIT University (NU), hosted its 17th Annual Lecture at the university campus in Neemrana. Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, renowned Economist & Visionary Policy Reformer, was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Also present were Mr Rajendra S Pawar, Founder; Mr Vijay Thadani, Co-founder; and Prof Prakash Gopalan, President, NIIT University.
On this significant occasion, Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Chairman, Planning Commission delivered an insightful and thought-provoking address drawing from his extensive experience in shaping India’s economic reforms. Speaking on the theme, “India’s Opportunities in a Turbulent World,” he outlined how global uncertainty presents both challenges and openings for a rapidly developing nation like India. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking, long-term economic strategy, and the need for young minds to remain adaptable, analytically sharp, and globally aware. He noted that India’s future will be shaped by how effectively it responds to interconnected issues such as climate transition, technological change, and shifting geopolitical dynamics—areas that also offer tremendous scope for innovation and leadership. Highlighting the role of young professionals, he encouraged students to view India’s urbanisation, sustainability efforts, and evolving global partnerships not merely as policy hurdles but as high-impact opportunities where their ideas and capabilities can make a meaningful difference. His reflections on India’s development trajectory, coupled with his insights on navigating volatility and leveraging emerging opportunities, captivated the audience comprising students, faculty, and distinguished guests.
The theme, ” India’s Opportunities in a Turbulent World” aligns closely with the vision of NIIT University, conceptualized by Mr Rajendra S Pawar, to inculcate innovation in higher education. Mr Pawar collaborated with the foremost thought leaders of our country, to create a new model of higher education dedicated to shaping young minds who are not only academically proficient but also equipped to drive meaningful changes in the world.
The 17th Annual Lecture underscored the importance of preparing young learners to understand and navigate a rapidly changing world, encouraging them to think originally, stay curious, and develop the resilience needed to seize opportunities even in times of global turbulence.
Mr Rajendra S Pawar, Founder, NIIT University, said, “Across the world, rapid change is creating both challenges and significant openings for countries like India. At NIIT University, we believe our students must be prepared to navigate this environment with insight, discipline, and curiosity. Our Annual Lecture series, now in its 17th year, was built on this very belief. What began in 2009 with the first lecture delivered by our Chancellor Dr Karan Singh, on a piece of barren land that many thought held no promise, but over the years has grown into a tradition that brings timeless wisdom and contemporary insights to our students. By developing the ability to analyse complexity, think independently, and adapt to new realities, they can transform uncertainty into opportunity. We remain committed to nurturing young individuals who are not only academically strong but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth in an era where informed leadership matters more than ever.”
Prof Prakash Gopalan, President, NIIT University, said, “Today’s world may appear unpredictable, but it offers India, and our young learners, the remarkable opportunities for growth. Students who would understand global patterns and can think independently, and approach challenges with confidence will find themselves well-prepared to seize emerging opportunities. Their choices and contributions will shape not just their own paths, but the broader direction of our nation.”
Conceptualized as an institution of excellence, NIIT University provides exceptional education based on the Four Core Principles that make learning Industry-linked, Technology-based, Research-driven, and Seamless. As industries undergo rapid transformation and the global environment becomes increasingly dynamic and unpredictable, NIIT University continues to evolve its academic framework to meet the emerging needs of the knowledge economy. In this context, the Annual Lecture has, been a significant pillar for the past 17 years of NU’s commitment to enriching student learning. NIIT University firmly believes that bringing leading thinkers and innovators to engage with students adds immense value, offering them real-world perspectives that complement classroom learning. This long-standing tradition highlights NU’s commitment to an industry-connected, research-oriented education that prepares students so that they navigate through the changing and turbulent environment.
Established in 2009, NIIT University (NU) stands as a notable not-for-profit institution under section 2(f) of UGC Act, notified by the Government of Rajasthan. With a focus on creating original thinkers for the future’s knowledge society, NU inherits decades of expertise from the esteemed NIIT Group. Nestled in a beautiful 100-acre campus at Neemrana, Rajasthan, NU emphasizes emerging technology and management areas.
The university’s fully residential green campus in the serene Aravalli hills fosters an intellectually vibrant environment for higher education and research. Committed to being a beacon of learning, innovation, and sustainability, NU strives to build successful careers and provides exceptional education grounded in its Four Core Principles: Industry-linked, Technology-based, Research-driven, and Seamless.
Education World’s prestigious rankings in 2021 and 2022 recognized NU’s standing, placing it 2nd among the top universities in Rajasthan and 22nd amongst 100 private universities in India in a prestigious survey conducted by Education World in 2022.
