“Character Building through Universal Human Values” was the theme of the eighth International Conference organized from March 1 to 3 at IITBHU, Varanasi.

Summary and conclusions

The seventh International Conference was organized from April 26 to 28 at Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu. In a graceful ceremony, the conference was inaugurated by Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck. She was accompanied by their Royal Highnesses, Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister for Health and other dignitaries. It was jointly organized by 8 universities – two from Bhutan and 6 from India.

Summary and conclusions

The sixth International Conference was organized from February 10 to12 at IIT Kanpur with a theme: “Vision for Humane Education”.

Summary and conclusions

The theme of this 5th International Conference organized from January 8 to 10 was “Education for Undivided Society and Universal Human Order”. It was organised jointly by Atmiya Group of Institutions (AGI), Rajkot, Gujarat, IKG-PTU, Kapurtala, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, IIIT Hyderabad, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (formerly UPTU), Lucknow and The Royal University of Bhutan. There were 170 participants from 13 countries who deliberated on the theme. Shri Shantilalji Muttha, founder & national president of Bharatiya Jain Sanghthana, Pune was the chief guest at the inaugural function. The need for value inputs in Higher Education was clearly emphasized by all. Many participants shared their interest in taking the initiative in implementing Universal Human Values in their universities/ colleges/ institutions. In particular, the Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh showed keen interest.

Summary and conclusions

The fourth conference was organized from March 27 to 29 at Gaedu College of Business Studies, Gedu, Bhutan. The conference was jointly organized in collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad, IIT-BHU, Varanasi & Punjab Technical University.

The key theme for the conference was “Educating for Gross National Happiness: Universal Human Values”. There were about 150 representatives from SAARC Nations (India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka & Maldives) and Germany, Japan and Canada. These were eminent educationists, policy makers, social organizations and individuals having keen interest in Universal Human Values.

Summary and conclusions

The conference organized from February 28 to March 2 was quite fruitful with the active participation of the 100 senior educationists from SAARC nations, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and 13 states from India. The need of values in education was clearly shared. Participants from every one of the 6 countries shared their interest in taking the initiative in implementing universal human values in their country, in their university, college or institution.

Summary and conclusions

The second conference was again held at IIIT Hyderabad from February 16 to 18. This conference helped to initiate courses on UHV in 17 universities in the then combined state of Andhra Pradesh.

Summary and conclusions

This was the beginning of series of International Conferences on Human Values in Higher Education organized at IIIT Hyderabad from January 6 to 8, and had several Vice-chancellors, Directors and Deans attending the Conference.

Summary and conclusions