LUCKNOW, Jan. 11 -- The vision of a Developed India is a dream that can be realized only through inclusive development and the active participation of all citizens, said former planning commission advisor (Education) Prof Furqan Qamar while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day University Day celebrations at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) on Saturday, where he was the keynote speaker. He emphasised that the progress of any institution depends more on a visionary outlook and aspiration than on resources alone. The true development of higher education is possible only by increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio among students in the 18-24 age group, he said, adding that the challenges in this area can be addressed through equitable and inclusive policies, affordable education, and continuous improvement in institutional quality, noting that expansion, equity, and excellence are the three fundamental mantras for strengthening the education system. He said that spending on education as a percentage of GDP should reflect the sector's contribution to the economy. Qamar added that since development today is driven by technology, science, artificial intelligence, and the economy, the way forward lies in focusing on the three Fs-Funding, Faculty, by increasing the number of quality teachers, and Freedom to undertake meaningful work in the interest of society and students. The inaugural session was chaired by BBAU vice-chancellor Prof Raj Kumar Mittal while the chief guest was Prof KV Raju, Economic Advisor to the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and prof at Chanakya University, Bengaluru. The guest of honour and former vice-chancellor of BBAU, Prof B Hanumaiah was also present. Mittal said that BBAU's development journey represents a strong process of academic, cultural, and social growth, with ideas playing a central role in shaping the university. Mittal said that realising the dream of a Developed India requires the empowerment of every section of society, as national progress cannot be achieved through economic strength alone but by becoming strong across all parameters with the participation of every citizen. htc...