Vedanta Group Chairman Announces World-Class University in Puri to Emulate Harvard and MIT

Agarwal’s vision is spurred by recent developments in the United States, where the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, putting 6,400 students— including 788 from India—at risk of losing their legal status

Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal has unveiled plans to establish a not-for-profit, digital-first university near Puri, Odisha. The announcement, made via a post on X, comes at a time when global education systems are facing unprecedented challenges, particularly for Indian students abroad.

The proposed Vedanta University aims to match global academic giants like Harvard and MIT, addressing the growing demand for world-class education in India. Agarwal’s vision is spurred by recent developments in the United States, where the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, putting 6,400 students— including 788 from India—at risk of losing their legal status.

“Amidst global uncertainty, there is a big opportunity for India, beyond manufacturing. Higher education,” Agarwal stated in his X post, emphasizing the need for India to seize the moment.

The university, planned near the Puri-Konark marine drive, has been a long-standing vision for Vedanta. As per reports, the foundation identified 6,000 acres of land for the project as early as 2009, but it faced significant hurdles, including a 2010 Orissa High Court ruling that declared the land acquisition illegal due to environmental violations. Despite these setbacks, Agarwal remains committed, noting in his post, “Vedanta has a plan for one such institution based on the waterfront in Odisha near Puri. It will be a not-for-profit, digital-first university with the best faculty and students from India and abroad.”

Agarwal’s vision extends beyond academics, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity. He pledged that “students from less privileged backgrounds will get full financial support,” aiming to democratize access to quality education. The university is envisioned as a hub for innovation and research, positioning India as a global leader in knowledge creation. “Let us seize this opportunity to be a leader in knowledge and research, occupy the space other countries are letting go of,” Agarwal urged in his X post, rallying support with the hashtag #DeshKiZarooratonKeLiye.

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