Key Points

The award ceremony, held on Monday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, saw Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, present the award to Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University. The event was attended by policymakers, education leaders, and global experts from across the higher education sector.

This recognition highlights Ashoka University's leadership in the liberal arts and sciences, its innovative interdisciplinary pedagogy, and its sustained contributions to research, innovation, and societal impact. Over the past decade, Ashoka has emerged as one of India's most progressive universities, dedicated to nurturing critical thinking, inclusivity, and leadership among its students.

After receiving the award, Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, said, "This recognition from FICCI is a reflection of the collective vision, dedication, and pursuit of excellence that define Ashoka University. Over the years, our faculty, students, and staff have collaborated to build an institution that not only shapes minds but also makes meaningful contributions to society. I am deeply honoured to accept this award on behalf of the entire Ashoka community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing holistic, interdisciplinary education that empowers students to think critically, act ethically, and drive India's progress."

Prof. Somak Raychaudhury also delivered a special address at the event, highlighting the emerging role of interdisciplinary learning and research in higher education. He emphasised that institutions must prioritise the quality and impact of research over mere quantity, fostering environments where critical inquiry, innovation, and collaboration across disciplines can thrive. Prof. Raychaudhury further reiterated that universities should equip students not only with academic knowledge but with the ability to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.

Organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the annual Higher Education Summit is India's leading platform for dialogue on the future of education. The 2025 edition focuses on "Higher Education in a Transforming World: Bridging Borders, Building Futures", bringing together key policymakers, industry stakeholders, and leaders from emerging Indian and global higher education institutions.

The "University of the Year - Emerging" award category celebrates universities that have built enduring ecosystems and demonstrated unwavering dedication to excellence in every facet of university administration. Demonstrating a holistic approach, these universities have embraced a comprehensive range of endeavours, from enriching faculty development and pioneering curriculum design to fostering global engagement, conducting impactful research, spearheading student employability initiatives, forging robust industry partnerships, and pioneering social responsibility initiatives. Their consistent and outstanding performance has led to remarkable outcomes, leaving a strong mark on the landscape of Indian higher education.

This year, Ashoka University has also received strong recognition in leading global and national rankings, reflecting its growing impact in Indian higher education. It was ranked No. 1 among New Age Private Universities and for Arts, Science, Research, and Humanities by IIRF 2025, marked its debut in the QS World University Rankings 2025 (1201+), and was placed in the Impact Rankings 2025 (801-1000 globally; 201-300 for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) -- reaffirming its excellence in academics, research, and social responsibility.

- ANI