Universities must prepare students for life, not just employment, Dr Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, said at the ETEducation Chancellors’ Conclave 2026 in Goa. She called on educational institutions to focus on character building, responsible leadership and social responsibility alongside academic achievement and career preparation.

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Speaking during a fireside chat titled “Beyond the Uniform: Stories, Surviving Challenges & Building a Legacy,” Bedi highlighted the role educators play in shaping students' values, behaviour and leadership abilities. Drawing on her experiences in policing, prison reform and education for underprivileged children, she argued that institutional success should be measured not only through placements and professional achievements but also through graduates' contributions to society.

Bedi also urged university leaders to take a more active role in students' everyday learning experiences. She encouraged chancellors, vice chancellors and institutional heads to visit classrooms regularly, interact directly with students and observe teaching practices firsthand.

Such engagement, she suggested, can help leaders better understand students' needs and the challenges faced by educators. The emphasis on classroom interaction also highlights the importance of connecting institutional decision-making with the actual learning environment.

Her remarks reinforced the need for a broader approach to higher education, one that combines academic knowledge with practical experience, ethical values and personal development.

As universities navigate changing career demands and expectations, the discussion placed renewed attention on the purpose of education beyond qualifications. The message was that institutions should help students become capable professionals while also developing into responsible, compassionate and socially conscious citizens.