A group of India’s most respected industrialists, including Bharat Puri, Naushad Forbes, Farhad Forbes, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Nadir Godrej, Meher Pudumjee, and Satish Reddy, have come together to establish Nayanta University, a pioneering institution aimed at shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators. Named after the Sanskrit word for “New Hope,” Nayanta embodies the vision of bringing forward-thinking education to students across the country.
Set to welcome its first batch of students in August 2025, Nayanta University has been established under the Maharashtra State Private University Act. With a 100-acre campus under development in Pune, the university will offer a fully residential, interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Admissions for the inaugural batch of 100 students opened in February 2025, with the university focusing on a need-blind, merit-based selection process to ensure deserving students are not held back due to financial constraints.
Industry-Academia Partnership for Real-World Learning
In a significant move, Nayanta University has partnered with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to provide students with unparalleled internship, mentorship, and placement opportunities across the corporate, government, and social sectors. The collaboration highlights the growing role of industry in shaping higher education to ensure graduates are equipped with skills that are relevant in today’s fast-evolving economy.
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, “Education must remain aligned with real-world needs, and Nayanta University is a prime example of industry stepping up to shape the future. By creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, Nayanta is fostering a new generation of leaders who will drive meaningful change.”
A Vision for Transformative Education
At the heart of Nayanta’s mission is a commitment to student-centered learning, interdisciplinary education, and real-world application. The university’s leadership believes that India needs a new model of higher education—one that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, rather than rote learning.
Naushad Forbes, Chancellor of Nayanta University, emphasized this vision, saying “At Nayanta, we are not just offering degrees—we are nurturing minds that will shape the future. Our goal is to create an environment where innovation thrives, where students are encouraged to think critically and develop solutions for real-world challenges.”
Echoing this sentiment, Farhad Forbes, Co-Chairman of Forbes Marshall, added, “Nayanta will inspire students to think beyond boundaries, challenge conventional wisdom, and apply knowledge in impactful ways. We are committed to building an intellectually stimulating and socially relevant learning environment.”
Building a Brighter Future
Ranjan Banerjee, CEO of Nayanta Education Foundation, highlighted the university’s student-first approach: “Our vision is simple—prioritizing student success through personalized learning experiences. By empowering students and encouraging innovation, we are building a foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future.”
With its innovative curriculum, strong industry partnerships, and commitment to inclusivity, Nayanta University aims to set a new benchmark in Indian higher education.
As India moves towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, institutions like Nayanta will play a crucial role in equipping young minds with the knowledge and skills needed to drive the country forward, economy watchers said.