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.

YOU’VE SUCCESSFULLY FOUNDED AND LED MULTIPLE UNIVERSITIES ACROSS INDIA. WHAT GUIDING PRINCIPLES HAVE HELPED YOU BUILD THESE INSTITUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP?

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.

HOW DOES YOUR VISION FOR MAHINDRA UNIVERSITY DIFFER FROM YOUR PAST VENTURES, AND WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC LANDSCAPE?

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.

WHAT DOES ‘EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION’ MEAN TO YOU IN TODAY’S GLOBAL AND DIGITAL AGE?

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.

YOU’VE CHAMPIONED STRONG INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA LINKAGES. HOW DO SUCH COLLABORATIONS BENEFIT STUDENTS BEYOND PLACEMENTS?

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.

WHAT ROLES DO EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND REAL-WORLD PROJECTS PLAY IN SHAPING FUTURE-READY GRADUATES AT MAHINDRA UNIVERSITY?

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.

HOW CAN INDIAN UNIVERSITIES BECOME TRUE INCUBATORS OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP?

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.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT KIND OF POLICY INTERVENTIONS ARE NEEDED TO ELEVATE INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION TO GLOBAL STANDARDS?

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.

DO YOU BELIEVE INDIA’S NEW EDUCATION POLICY (NEP) IS AMBITIOUS ENOUGH TO CATALYSE TRANSFORMATION IN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM? WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CONCERNS?

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.

WHAT’S YOUR STRATEGY FOR FOSTERING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AMONG STUDENTS WITHOUT LOSING TOUCH WITH INDIAN VALUES?

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.

HOW DO YOU FORESEE TECHNOLOGY, PARTICULARLY AI AND AUTOMATION, TRANSFORMING THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS?

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.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU BELIEVE UNIVERSITIES MUST NOW PRIORITISE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROFESSIONALS?

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.

YOU’RE OFTEN DESCRIBED AS APPROACHABLE AND STUDENT-FRIENDLY. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THIS CONNECTION IN SUCH A LARGE LEADERSHIP ROLE?

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.

OVER THE DECADES, WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNINGS AS AN ACADEMIC LEADER?

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.

WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE BEHIND AT MAHINDRA UNIVERSITY AND IN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION AT LARGE?

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.

YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK THAT SHAPED YOUR LEADERSHIP THINKING?

Nothing specific – there are so many noteworthy books.

ONE INSTITUTION GLOBALLY YOU ADMIRE.

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.

A STUDENT QUALITY YOU VALUE THE MOST.

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.

ONE HABIT THAT KEEPS YOU PRODUCTIVE.

Prioritising tasks early in the day and staying focused on outcomes.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG EDUCATORS ENTERING ACADEMIA TODAY?

Inspire minds as education must ignite purpose and passion.

Leadership In Action: Prof. Yajulu Medury’s Mission to Redefine Higher Education at Mahindra University

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