Viksit Gujarat 2047 Seminar Held at Ambedkar Open University
National Seminar on ‘Viksit Gujarat 2047 Innovation Challenge’ Held at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
A national-level seminar on the ‘Viksit Gujarat 2047 Innovation Challenge’ was held on 16 October 2026 at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad. The seminar was jointly organised by the university and the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, Education Department, Government of Gujarat.
The main theme of the seminar was ‘Knowledge to Impact: Rethinking Education, Innovation and Human Capital for Viksit Gujarat @2047’.
The dignitaries present on the stage included Dr Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation; Prof. Ami Upadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University; Dr Vishal Bhadani, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Lokbharati University for Rural Innovation; Anandiben Chhanga, Sarpanch of the Balika Panchayat in Kunaria village and a youth leader; Dr Bhavin Trivedi, Registrar; and Prof. Nilesh Modi.
As the chief guest, Dr Ram Madhav said that India’s large young population needed proper guidance. He said true innovation was not about copying others. It was about developing original ideas from the ground up. In this age of technology, young people should become creative thinkers instead of focusing only on building machines. He urged them to understand the glory of the past, feel the pain of the present and move forward with dreams for the future. He also stressed the need to think outside the box.
Prof. Ami Upadhyay said that true education came from a balance of the heart, mind and hands. She explained that development should not be measured only by physical comforts. Cultural and social progress, along with well-being, should also be considered when measuring development. She added that real experience and commitment were more important than age or position when it came to innovation.
Dr Vishal Bhadani said that education should prepare young people to face challenges. He explained that Lokbharati University encouraged students to learn through cooperation rather than competition. Students were encouraged on the basis of life values, not just marks. The university had included work, research and a nature-based way of life in its courses to help students become self-reliant. He explained the value of Lokbharati’s basic training method through several examples.
Anandiben Chhanga said that women should now take responsibility for their villages and bring real change. She spoke about the steps taken in her village to reduce the school dropout rate among girls. She shared details of the work done to ensure 100% school attendance and make women self-reliant. Naming streets after girls was one of the ways her village had helped build a strong identity for women. She also spoke about government schemes, girls’ education and efforts to develop the personalities of girls at the village level. Her work and the results it had achieved impressed those present.
During the event, the winners of the Viksit Gujarat 2047 Innovation Challenge were given prizes and honoured. Ritaben Marwada won first place, Vipin Nair came second, and Harshit Prajapati secured third place.
A large number of people attended the seminar, including heads of various departments, teachers, staff members, managers of regional centres and students of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University.
Prof. Nilesh Modi delivered the vote of thanks, while Reema Upadhyay hosted the programme. The seminar gave young people and students new ideas and inspiration to help build a developed Gujarat by 2047.