Himgiri Zee University has been established to meet the growing demand for trained human resources in various social, educational, scientific, technical and professional organizations so as to channel human energy towards sustainable economic and social development.

In order to make a positive difference to education and employment, Shri Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group of Industries and Zee Telefilms had brought together in 1995 a group of committed anthropologists, sociologists, economists and development communications professionals to set up TALEEM Research Foundation in Ahmedabad. One of the mandates of Taleem Research Foundation was to set up the Himgiri Zee University.

Based on the motto `Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (World as Family), Himgiri Zee University has been established for the vocationalisation of higher education which is national in character and transnational in jurisdiction. The University is characterized by its resolve not to discriminate on grounds of caste, creed, residence, community, gender and religion. HZU has been established under Act No. 17 of 2003 of the State Legislative Assembly, Government of Uttaranchal (Act 2003, Uttaranchal Adhiniyam Sankhya 17 of 2003) and has since become operational.