Sustainability has emerged as a critical global concern, necessitating a concerted effort across all sectors to address its multifaceted challenges. In the Indian context, characterized by rapid urbanization, environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities, the role of HEIs in promoting sustainable development is transformative. In India, the integration of sustainability into higher education is particularly important, given the country's demographic diversity, environmental challenges, and its commitment to the UN's SDGs. Indian HEIs are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts for sustainable practices by fostering environmental stewardship, social responsibility, economic resilience adaptability for sustainable progress. While several Indian HEIs have initiated sustainability programs, these efforts remain fragmented and often lack institutional coherence. This research seeks to analyze the current sustainability initiatives in Indian HEIs, identify barriers to their implementation, and propose strategies for embedding academic sustainability.