In India’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, where legal education, technology, and leadership must go hand in hand, Mahindra University has carved a unique space for itself. Backed by the global Mahindra Group, the University is not just building graduates – it is shaping future-ready leaders equipped to navigate complex, global challenges. At the heart of this mission is Prof. Yajulu Medury, a stalwart in academic institution-building, known for his student-centric leadership and emphasis on interdisciplinary excellence. In this exclusive conversation with Lex Witness, Prof. Medury shares his vision for Mahindra University, the crucial role of law and governance in education, and how Indian universities can evolve into global powerhouses of knowledge and innovation.
Academic integrity, combined with a strong sense of purpose, is at the core of building any great institution. I’ve always believed that universities must ignite curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning. A student-centric approach, a commitment to quality, and an openness to innovation have guided me in every leadership role. Moreover, I believe in a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. From this approach, we derive much-needed interdisciplinarity, sustainability and social impact. Strong governance structures and strategic industry linkages have also been key pillars in building institutions that endure.
Mahindra University is nurturing future leaders and fostering innovation through its strong emphasis on holistic education and experiential learning. My vision for the university is to create a new model of higher education that combines interdisciplinary learning, global exposure, research-led pedagogy and strong industry alignment. What differentiates Mahindra University is the scale of ambition and the backing of the Mahindra Group, which allows us to dream big and execute with agility.
Excellence in higher education today is about relevance, agility and impact. It’s about equipping students to navigate an uncertain, complex and rapidly evolving world. This means offering multidisciplinary programmes, embracing digital transformation, encouraging research with real-world applicability and fostering a global mindset. Excellence in education must be a hub of innovation, a launchpad for entrepreneurs and a space where ethics, sustainability and inclusion are integral to the learning experience.
Industry-academia partnerships open a gateway to experiential learning, mentorship and real-time problem-solving. They help students understand the practical application of what they study and foster a mindset geared towards innovative execution. These collaborations often manifest themselves through capstone projects, research partnerships, internships, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The ability to translate theory into action is what makes our students future-ready, particularly in sectors that demand both intellect and initiative. Experiential learning is a cornerstone of our pedagogy while integrating real-world projects, industry internships etc. Specifically, our School of Law practises this approach through activities such as moot courts, legal clinics, design thinking modules and field immersions. With these experiences’ students learn the ability to work in teams and develop problem-solving and leadership skills.
When universities become enablers, innovation naturally follows. Indian universities must move beyond the traditional model and encourage experimentation, nurture students to embrace failure and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Universities should establish incubation centres, provide seed funding, offer mentorship from industry leaders, and embed entrepreneurship into the curriculum. We are advancing a robust ecosystem where our students co-create solutions, build prototypes, and pitch ideas.
The policy must prioritise autonomy with accountability. Current government policies enable institutions to innovate curriculum design, pedagogy and global collaborations while being held to rigorous academic and ethical standards such as continuous assessment, transparent governance and adherence to academic integrity.
Yes, the New Education Policy (NEP) places a strong emphasis on holistic, multidisciplinary education. Its framework has the potential to break down academic silos and foster innovation, democratise quality education, encourage global mobility, and make Indian universities truly competitive. The opportunities are vast. The challenge lies in implementation. Institutional implementation, faculty training, regulatory streamlining and funding support will be crucial in determining how effectively NEP’s goals are realised.
We aim to nurture students who are not only confident global contributors but also deeply grounded in empathy, sustainability and social responsibility. This approach ensures that our students embrace the global community.
Institutions must evolve into facilitators of lifelong learning, enabling our students to adapt in an era of constant change. AI can personalise learning, enhance efficiency and facilitate immersive experiences through simulations and intelligent tutoring. However, it also compels us to double down on human values such as critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
The future demands a diverse set of competencies such as technical proficiency, digital literacy and domain expertise, coupled with creativity, adaptability and cross-cultural communication. At Mahindra University, we focus on developing professionals who are deeply rooted in their area of expertise yet broad in their understanding of interconnected domains.
As an academic leader, students are the heart of any university. Listening to their ideas, concerns, and aspirations helps me stay grounded and aligned with their evolving needs.
One of the most significant learnings is that education must constantly evolve. Being receptive to change, whether driven by technology, industry needs, or student aspirations, is essential. Another key insight has been the importance of nurturing all individuals, including faculty, staff and students alike. Institutions thrive when there is mutual respect and when leadership enables rather than dictates. Lastly, I’ve learned that vision without execution is futile. It’s crucial to couple big-picture thinking with operational agility and accountability.
We aim to build an institution that nurtures global thinkers and engaged leaders. I want to leave behind a legacy of a forward-looking, interdisciplinary university that equips students with knowledge, values and purpose. For Indian higher education as a whole, I aspire to contribute to a shift towards outcome-based, globally connected, and ethically grounded learning ecosystems, where education is about shaping responsible global citizens.
Nothing specific – there are so many noteworthy books.
There are many institutions globally that are in relentless pursuit of impactful education. Universities such as MIT, Oxford and Harvard are leading. We take their practices as benchmarks as we endeavour to launch globally competent graduates.
Curiosity fuels lifelong learning and drives meaningful change. At Mahindra University, we focus on “learning to learn” concept to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and a continuous learning mindset in students.
Prioritising tasks early in the day and staying focused on outcomes.
Inspire minds as education must ignite purpose and passion.
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