NOIDA, June 25 -- During the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of Vice Chancellors hosted by Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel on Tuesday called on higher education institutions to extend their responsibilities beyond academics and contribute actively to the national development. Addressing the gathering, the governor stressed that universities must engage in grassroots interventions, including primary and secondary education, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. "Universities across the world are doing well in their respective fields. But they should also take up challenges like curbing malnutrition and working on the lack of basic health services," she said, adding that skill development is crucial, not just for the students but even for the vice chancellors. She also underlined the importance of empowering women, and aiming for zero poverty. Patel stressed that academic MoUs must go beyond ceremonial gestures to enable real learning exchange. Reflecting on India's rich scientific and cultural legacy, she said, "Our vision is to make India a developed nation and a Vishwaguru. We must instil pride in our children about India's ancient discoveries and promote and disseminate knowledge." Organised by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to mark its 100th year, the conference brought together over 500 vice chancellors from across India. The governor also congratulated AIU on completing 100 years and planted a sapling in the campus under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative. On the occasion, AIU's president Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, said: "The governor's commitment to national development is truly exemplary." Amity Education Group's founder president Dr Ashok K Chauhan, said: "The world is looking at India with new expectations, and we aim to make India a global superpower by 2047." GB Nagar DM Manish Kumar Verma, AIU secretary general Pankaj Mittal, and Noida authority officials were among other dignitaries present on the occasion....