Pradhan Inaugurates Southampton University’s India Campus In Gurugram
Key Points
University of Southampton opens Gurugram campus under NEP 2020.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urges introduction of STEM courses to address global challenges.
Gurugram, July 16: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, on Wednesday inaugurated the India campus of the University of Southampton in Gurugram, celebrating a landmark moment in the internationalisation of education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the campus as a symbol of India-UK educational cooperation, aligned with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, calling it a “momentous milestone”.
The University of Southampton, a globally renowned institution, established its Gurugram campus within a year of receiving the Letter of Intent (LoI), showcasing its commitment to expanding academic excellence in India.
“This campus will offer forward-looking courses and foster a culture of curiosity and innovation,” Pradhan said in a post on X. “It presents an affordable and accessible option for students to receive world-class education closer to home and family.”
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✨Pradhan also urged the university’s leadership to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs at the Gurugram campus, positioning it as a hub for global problem-solving and innovation.
The Minister emphasized that education is central to India’s development and that the internationalisation of education at home is key to reviving India’s intellectual legacy—from ancient centers like Pushpagiri and Nalanda to modern hubs like Gurugram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously described education as a “living bridge” between India and the UK. The inauguration of the Southampton campus is seen as a step forward in strengthening that bridge and enhancing India’s position as a global knowledge destination, the Minister said.
Pradhan also invited other leading global universities to establish campuses in India, co-creating ecosystems of research, innovation, and education to build a brighter future.