The Association of Indian Universities (AIU), in collaboration with Shoolini University, organised the AIU Anveshan 2025–26 International Convention at the university campus in Solan. The national student research convention brought together nearly 200 students and faculty members from institutions across the country, who showcased original research models, prototypes and innovative ideas. The event was a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange and academic collaboration.
Anveshan, the flagship student research initiative of AIU, aimed to promote scientific thinking, problem-solving skills and a strong research culture among young scholars. Through structured presentations and interactive sessions, participants presented research outcomes aligned with national priorities and emerging global challenges.
In her welcome address, Chief Learning Officer at Shoolini University, Dr Ashoo Khosla, emphasised the importance of nurturing young minds through research-driven education and innovation-oriented learning ecosystems.
Joint Director, AIU, Dr Amarinder Pani, described Anveshan as one of the largest research conventions in the country dedicated to student innovation. He stated that if India aspired to emerge as a global leader by 2047, research and innovation would be the primary driving forces. Highlighting India’s demographic strength, he noted that the country, with nearly 75 per cent of its population in the youth category, had immense power, wisdom and talent. He further encouraged students to direct their research efforts towards nation-building and long-term national development.
Adding to this perspective, President, Innovation and Marketing at Shoolini University, Prof Ashish Khosla, emphasised the value of participation in academic forums. Recalling observations made at a national science seminar by Mohammad Hidayatullah, he conveyed that participation itself was a significant achievement. He stressed that the true spirit of research lay in asking meaningful questions, pursuing innovation with courage and building knowledge collectively. Moreover, he highlighted that scientific progress was inherently collaborative and required interdisciplinary engagement and a shared intellectual purpose.
AIU President Prof Vinay Pathak reflected on India’s rich scientific legacy shaped by ancient scholars, rishis and mathematicians. He observed that Indian research had historically led the world in fields such as medicine, mathematics and astronomy. Referring to the example of Srinivasa Ramanujan, he pointed to the integration of intellectual depth and higher consciousness in Indian knowledge traditions. Further, he emphasised that the future would be shaped by interdisciplinary research supported by artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, calling upon young researchers to contribute actively to these emerging domains.
In his address, Founder-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla motivated young researchers to strive for global excellence. He encouraged them to think beyond limitations, compete at international levels and aspire to leadership positions in science and innovation, thereby positioning India prominently on the global research map.
Shoolini University Associate Professor of Management Chander Mohan Gupta delivered the vote of thanks. He said every innovation began with an idea, which needed systematic conceptualisation to transform into a meaningful research outcome.
Solan, February 24