The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla concluded a two-day national seminar titled “Understanding Students’ Migration Patterns and their Impact on Higher Education in India”, held from June 10–11, 2025. The event brought together leading academics, researchers, and policymakers to examine the patterns, causes, and consequences of student migration within India’s diverse educational landscape.
The seminar opened with a welcome by IIAS Director Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari (delivered online), and thematic remarks from Senior Professor Sudhakar Venukapalli. Chief Guest Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, underscored the socio-economic importance of student movement across regions.
Keynote speaker Prof. V. K. Malhotra, Chairperson of the Food Commission of Madhya Pradesh, addressed systemic inequalities and their role in driving regional academic migration.
Over eight academic sessions and a focused panel discussion, participants delved into issues such as access and representation in higher education, the effects of seasonal migration, governance in educational institutions, and the role of digital platforms in bridging regional gaps.
Distinguished speakers included Prof. Biju K.C. (Christ University), Prof. Satish Verma (RBI Chair), Dr. Sandip Datta (Delhi School of Economics), Dr. Vikholienuo Kire (Nagaland), Dr. Vinod Sen (IGNTU), Dr. Ramya Patel (JNU), and Dr. Tanwi Patra (Amity University), among others.
The seminar highlighted how student migration serves as a mirror to broader socio-economic inequalities, infrastructure deficiencies, and the shifting aspirations of India’s youth.
The event concluded with a comprehensive summary by Dr. Anish Gupta and Shubham Sharma, valedictory remarks by Prof. Tiwari, and a vote of thanks from Prof. Venukapalli.
Participants agreed that addressing student migration is vital for building an equitable, inclusive, and policy-responsive higher education system in India.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
