The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 11, 2025
In a recent social media post, globally renowned physician and author Dr. Deepak Chopra expressed strong support for industrialist Anil Agarwal’s longstanding vision of establishing a world-class university in India. Reflecting on a recent conversation with Agarwal at London’s historic Riverside Studios — now under the stewardship of the Vedanta Chairman — Dr. Chopra praised the initiative as a bold step toward reviving India’s legacy as a global center of learning.
Chopra emphasized India’s rich civilizational heritage and its historical role as a leader in education, citing ancient institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila. He voiced optimism about India reclaiming its global stature in higher education, especially at a time when geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping global academic mobility and institutions like Harvard are reconsidering policies for international students.
Lauding Agarwal’s plans to build a university in India that rivals the likes of Harvard and Stanford, Chopra highlighted the critical role of private philanthropy in the creation of world-class institutions. “Most top American universities were founded by philanthropists, not governments,” he noted. “Visionary individuals like Anil Agarwal can create institutions that endure for generations. I am enthused to offer my help and support to this great idea.”
Chopra’s endorsement garnered widespread attention online, including praise from acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who called it “a great idea.” Another user commented that India needs such an institution to challenge and inspire its brightest young minds.
Originally proposed in 2009, the Vedanta University project envisions a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary institution in Odisha. Introduced through the Vedanta University Bill in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the plan called for a Rs 15,000 crore investment — an amount that exceeded the combined initial establishment costs of six IITs, six IIMs, three Central Universities, six IISERs, and six AIIMS at the time.
The university was designed to accommodate over 100,000 students and 10,000 faculty members at launch, eventually scaling up to 200,000 students. It aimed to include advanced research parks, global convention and exhibition centers, and academic departments spanning science, engineering, medicine, law, public policy, and the humanities. A dedicated research and development center for affordable, critical medicines was also envisioned. Admissions were to be need-blind, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial background.
If realized, Vedanta University would dramatically transform the higher education landscape in Odisha and position India as a hub for cutting-edge global research and learning. At a time when many Indian students are reconsidering overseas education due to global uncertainties, such an institution could retain talent within the country and foster a robust ecosystem of research, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development.
Dr. Chopra concluded his post with a personal commitment: “I am looking forward to collaborating with Anil Agarwal and his team to set up an institute for consciousness studies in India. World-class universities established by philanthropists like Anil Agarwal can be game changers for India.”
As India aspires to reclaim its role as ‘Vishwaguru’ — a global leader in knowledge — the Vedanta University initiative represents a timely and transformative opportunity.
