IIT-H director calls for research freedom and curriculum reform

IIT-Hyderabad Director B S Murty emphasized that universities must prioritize innovation and research to reach global standards, urging institutions to allow students the freedom to explore topics driven by their personal curiosity.

“Research and innovation play a quintessential role in elevating universities to global standards. Educational institutions must prioritize innovation by granting students the liberty to select research topics aligned with their innate curiosity, which will ignite their passion for groundbreaking advancements,” he said.

Addressing the fourth convocation of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Nalgonda, Murty called for self-directed learning and recommended that at least 10% of the curriculum be dedicated to liberal arts, creative fields, and interdisciplinary subjects such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, and history.

He encouraged graduates to think beyond academics and focus on real-world challenges.

“Dedicate at least one hour to pondering the challenges of the underserved,” he said. “For inclusive growth, truly the ethos of Viksit Bharat, is the only sustainable path forward. Remember, unchecked growth, like cancer, avails nothing; equitable progress alone endures.”

Sharing the IIT-Hyderabad experience, Murty noted that the institute has supported 320 startups this year, generated a turnover of several crore rupees, and contributed 180 BTech innovations along with 219 patents.

He urged institutions to nurture ecosystems that convert bold ideas into viable solutions.

Governor and university Chancellor Jishnu Dev Varma praised MGU’s efforts to expand access to quality education in rural areas, calling the university a key driver of inclusive academic progress.

Vice-Chancellor Khaja Althaf Hussain presented the university’s milestones, including the launch of new industry-relevant courses, a stricter attendance policy, and initiatives to promote research-driven learning.

He said MGU is aiming to secure an ‘A’ grade in the upcoming NAAC assessment.