Phagwara, Dec. 10 -- Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day conclave of vice-chancellors from universities across north India, hosted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara. Addressing the gathering, governor Kataria stressed the pivotal role of higher education, terming it the "most powerful instrument for social and economic transformation of the nation." He issued a call to universities, urging them not only to deliver world-class education but also to "intensify research and innovation" as a means to solidify the foundations of societal progress. Kataria observed that Indian higher education institutions are increasingly competing globally. To meet this challenge, he stated that universities must equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively tackle emerging international demands. The governor highlighted the "urgent need to continuously upgrade curriculum in line with evolving global demands," asserting that the ultimate goal of education is to empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to the holistic development of society. Earlier, Dr Ashok Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP and LPU chancellor, emphasised that the deliberations to be held over the subsequent days are expected to significantly reshape the higher education ecosystem in north India and prepare the country to effectively meet future challenges....