21st Century higher education aims to improve society through quality education and research. Productive transformation of teaching, learning, and evaluation processes in higher education institutions (HEIs) is possible through full-fledged implementation of breakthrough-technologies in 21st-Century HEIs. ICT, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented-Virtual Reality present both opportunities and challenges for rural and remote areas in developing and underdeveloped countries. The responsibilities of the leadership of HEIs to promote ICT-integrated pedagogy, staff-training and up-grading of infrastructure are discussed. Prevailing trends, approaches, hurdles, and future requirements of ICT-infrastructure, usage and training are presented based on analysis of data collected through qualitative survey research conducted in India for a population of 583 multidisciplinary respondents. 89.7 percent of respondents are highly qualified with research degrees having experience of 12-35 years. The results are expected to motivate policymakers to enhance sustainable productivity by promoting ICT-digital technologies. The authors discovered lack of motivation, willingness, training opportunities, and facilities as barriers to adopting ICT at HEIs.