Ashoka University Brings Together 200 Government School Leaders from Haryana to Strengthen Pathways to Higher Education in the State

Ashoka University, India’s leading interdisciplinary and research university, hosted approximately 200 principals, headmasters and School Management Committee (SMC) presidents from government schools across the Rai Block of the Sonipat district for a half-day campus engagement programme. Organised in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education, Haryana, as part of its efforts to strengthen school-higher education linkages, the initiative introduced school leaders to Ashoka University’s interdisciplinary academic ecosystem while building greater awareness about higher education opportunities, research and scholarship support available to students from diverse backgrounds.

The programme was also attended by Ms Usha, Block Education Officer (BEO), Rai; Shri Manoj Verma, District FLN Coordinator; and Ms Ayushi Roy, State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) Member, Directorate of School Education, Haryana.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University spoke about the evolving role of universities in preparing young people for a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancement and complex societal challenges. He emphasised that interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking and research are no longer optional but essential in equipping students with the skills needed to navigate the future.

Highlighting Ashoka’s distinctive academic model, he introduced the University’s growing ecosystem of Schools, Centres of Excellence and globally recognised research initiatives spanning public health, public policy, sustainability, artificial intelligence, advanced computing and the natural sciences. He also highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement with neighbouring communities, noting that universities achieve their greatest impact when they remain deeply connected to the societies they serve.

A key highlight of the programme was an interactive workshop on “Branding and Communication for Schools.” The session explored how schools can strengthen their institutional identity and communicate more effectively with students, parents and the wider community through strategic communication and digital platforms.

Participants were also introduced to Ashoka University’s interdisciplinary academic programmes, scholarship opportunities, and student support initiatives. Through guided visits to the University’s laboratories, Centres of Excellence, the HDFC Library, the Archives of Contemporary India and other academic facilities, the school leaders gained first-hand exposure to Ashoka’s research ecosystem and campus life.

Speaking about the initiative, Ali Imran, Senior Vice President, External Engagement, Ashoka University, said, ‘School leaders play a transformative role in shaping students’ aspirations and expanding their horizons. Through initiatives like these, we hope to strengthen our engagement with local schools, create greater awareness about the opportunities available to students, and ensure that talented young people, irrespective of their background, are empowered to pursue higher education with confidence and ambition.’

Speaking on the occasion, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University, said, ‘Schools and universities are partners in shaping the next generation of learners. As a university rooted in Sonipat, we value opportunities to engage with educators who inspire young minds every day. We hope this initiative strengthens our partnership with local schools, encourages meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, and empowers more students to explore the diverse pathways and opportunities available to them as they transition to higher education.’

The initiative reflects Ashoka University’s continued commitment to strengthening engagement with schools, educators and local communities while creating greater awareness about quality higher education, interdisciplinary learning, research and the opportunities available to students from diverse backgrounds.