Bengaluru, Apr 30: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended multiple programmes at Chanakya University on Thursday, where he said universities should evolve beyond centres of instruction and emerge as institutions that reflect human resource development and national commitment.

During his visit, Pradhan inaugurated the ‘Sudha and Kris Gopalakrishnan Academic Block’, the ‘Dr K Kasturirangan Auditorium’, and a satellite ground station in the presence of the VC and former ISRO chairman S Somanath.

“Universities should not remain limited to teaching alone; they must become spaces where national purpose transforms into human potential and where young minds are prepared with knowledge and character to lead,” Pradhan said.

Highlighting Bengaluru’s ecosystem, Pradhan said the city stands as a “proof of concept” for India’s growth, citing institutions such as ISRO, Indian Institute of Science, and DRDO, along with a strong startup network. He added that national progress would be determined not only by economic growth but also by the quality of mindset being nurtured.

As part of the visit, the minister also toured the ‘Makkala Dhama’ campus of the Sparsh Trust at Bettakote. Later, on the occasion of Narasimha Jayanti, he offered prayers at the historic Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and prayed for the country’s prosperity.