Karnataka Law Society’s Institute of Management Education and Research (KLS IMER), Belagavi, organized a one-day national conclave titled “Lighthouse: Guiding Educational Leadership for the Future” as an IQAC initiative, bringing together eminent academic leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on the evolving landscape of higher education in India.

The program began with an invocation followed by a welcome address by Dr. Arif Shaikh, Director, KLS IMER. Dr. Shailaja Hiremath, Associate Professor, KLS IMER, presented the objectives and structure of the conclave.

The conclave was inaugurated in the august presence of Shri Uday Kalkundrikar Chairman KLS IMER as President of the function, , Shri Raj Belgaumkar and Shri R. S. Mutalik, Members of the Governing Council, KLS IMER, who graced the occasion and encouraged constructive dialogue on leadership and institutional responsibility in higher education. Prof. Sushil Kumar Pare, event coordinator was also present.

The keynote address was delivered by the Chief Guest Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman – NETF, NBA and EC-NAAC, and Former Chairman – AICTE, who spoke on the policy perspective, highlighting regulatory reforms, quality assurance, accreditation, and the future direction of Indian higher education including the challenges in the present system.

The conclave featured insightful sessions by Prof. C. M. Thyagaraja, Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor, Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, who presented the university perspective; Prof. Vipul Pare, Dean (People and Resources), College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University, Australia, who shared the global perspective; and Mr. Kapil Mahajan, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Aequs Limited, Belagavi, who discussed the industry perspective and expectations from higher education institutions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Sumanth Desai, Assistant Professor, KLS IMER, followed by interactive Q&A sessions and networking among participants.