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SkillTree
EDUCATION
EVANGELIST OF
INDIA
An Initiative of SkillTree Knowledge Consortium – Center of Appreciation & Recognition
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SkillTree Education Evangelist of India Copyright ŠSkillTree Global Knowledge Consortium, 2013 Published in 2013 Published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, tape, web distribution, information storage and retrieval systems or otherwise) without prior written permission of the publisher. Disclaimer Due care and diligence has been taken while editing and printing this book. Neither the Publisher nor the Printer of the book holds any responsibility for any mistake that may have crept in inadvertently. BCCL will be free from any liability for damages and losses of any nature arising from or related to the content. All disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of competent courts in Delhi. Design: Subhasish Munshi
Production: Neeraj Bharti Cover Photo: Alamy/IndiaPicture
Edited & Designed by
Times Group Books Times Group Books (A division of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.) Times Annexe, 9-10, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Printed at: Lustra Print Process Pvt. Ltd.
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SKILLTREE EDUCATION EVANGELIST OF INDIA celebrates those visionaries and change makers who have contributed or have been contributing towards the growth of Indian education system. These far sighted venturers took the initiative and brought change at regional and national levels with their philanthropical initiatives. Education Evangelist of India was conceptualized to showcase those visionaries whose diligence and ability to dream led to the birth of these remarkable institutes. The initiative first came as a television series in media association with ET NOW, where SkillTree Knowledge Consortium - Center of Appreciation & Recognition showcased the success stories and making behind the noted institutes. This was later commemorated as a Coffee Table Book. SkillTree Knowledge Consortium plans to make this an annual endeavour in which some remarkable change makers will be felicitated and titled ‘Education Evangelist of India’.
SKILLTREE KNOWLEDGE CONSORTIUM is a global communication strategy and thought leadership firm steered by a panel of experts with core focus on spreading innovation, ideating collaborative growth and mind sharing. In a short time, SkillTree has grown as the most preferred education advisory firm with core practice on collaborative growth approach. Our growth strategy initiatives are designed with the objective of taking Indian knowledge economy to global league. Under the umbrella, SkillTree manages - Center of Appreciation & Recognition, Center of Collaborative Growth & Communication Strategy, Center of Cultural Appreciation and School of Innovation. Turning Innovation expertise into result is our motto and practice. SkillTree Knowledge Consortium is headquartered in New Delhi with operations across India.
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SHEKHAR A. BHATTACHARJEE Founder & CEO, SkillTree Global Knowledge Consortium
DEVELOPMENT OF A NATION is practically synonymous with a developed education system. Hardly surprising, therefore, is why India’s growth in modern times has a lot to do with education’s evolution and increasing reach across the length and breadth of our vast country. This transformation has been made possible by enterprising individuals with a vision, who took the initiative and made herculean efforts to bring about systemic changes in the sphere of higher education. The first in a series of books, Education Evangelist of India, 2013 is our celebration of that rare breed of passionate education professionals who have worked tirelessly for the cause of education in India. Blessed with the willpower to conquer obstacles such as the scarcity of funds and land, they have established institutes whose stature has only grown with time. I would like to share with you, the story of how this idea came into being. The growth rate of educational institutions in India has been phenomenal. India’s higher education outperformed both quantitatively and qualitative and it has been to a large extent due to the participation of private sector. Many of them have made a mark by winning accolades and receiving high rankings in various surveys. Education Evangelist of India was conceptualized to showcase those visionaries whose diligence and ability to dream led to the birth of these institutes. Although they come from different walks of life, common to them has been the cause of better higher education. Not only did we decide to feature the best, we also incorporated those persons whose initiatives are the first of their kind either in terms of their chosen areas of specialization or the region they have sought to develop. We decided to portray their passion for making a change through a television series followed by a book. The evangelists featured in this book have contributed to the progress of modern India through their invaluable contribution to education. With the television series and this book, we have kick-started the new era of SkillTree Knowledge Consortium - Center of Recognition & Appreciation, which will showcase more visionaries and education evangelists in 2014. We sincerely hope that their stories will encourage more individuals to think similarly so that today’s youngsters can guide India towards a better and brighter tomorrow.
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ARVINA PURKAYASTHA COO & Editor, SkillTree Global Knowledge Consortium
INDIA HAS BEEN a repository of knowledge and cultural diversity for at least 5000 years. From being an agricultural society, we have undergone a gradual transformation to become a knowledge society. The Indian higher education system has exhibited impressive growth over the past two decades to become one of the world's largest system. The private sector has played an instrumental role in this growth with private institutions now accounting 64% of total number of institutions and 59% of enrolment in the country. The role of private sector has increased significantly with majority of students enrolling in private institutions currently. Moreover, the sector can be credited with the establishment of some globally renowned institutions that have established state-of-the-art infrastructure and impart world class education. They have a strong focus on delivering a consistently high quality of education and a deep collaborative network with industry and foreign education providers, which is a fundamental to success. Their success stories have been truly exceptional, be it in the field of academics, technology or culture. Indian software engineers, doctors and academics are collectively scripting our phenomenal story of growth all over the world. This anthology is a tribute to those visionaries we have tried to capture in this book, aptly titled “SkillTree Education Evangelists of India�. What then is the reason behind our focus on visionaries of education? The answer lies in our conviction that only good leadership can promote professionalism and ensure a better quality of life, service, discipline and total commitment. A good leader needs to work tirelessly to facilitate change in the right direction. Skill Tree Education Evangelist of India is a research-driven compilation. Each of the individuals featured in this book is a catalyst of change, a true inspiration. The idea came into existence because of our strong belief that we definitely deserve a television series and a book on true leaders in the higher education sector. The biggest challenge for us as a team was to choose the most impactful 25 visionaries, which automatically necessitated the need for brainstorming and rigorous research. We set high and transparent benchmarks for selection so that the credibility of the selection process was not compromised. Each evangelist featured in this book has a story to tell. Needless to say, each of their story is dynamic. I would like to thank the key people Gurjashan Singh, Mayank Shukla, Tushar Sharma and Amit Nair who were closely involved with me and Shekhar Bhattacharjee for putting the entire initiative together right from the first stage of ideation to its eventual implementation. Besides, I would like to take this opportunity to specially thank the ET Now Team and Times Group Books for supporting and guiding us throughout the journey. SkillTree Knowledge Consortium - Center of Recognition & Appreciation will return with more such extra ordinary change makers in the next volume. We hope that this compendium will serve as a motivation and inspiration to all our readers.
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Experts Panel AVIJIT DUTT Avijit Dutt is an actor, theatre director and communications consultant, living and working out of New Delhi. A postgraduate in English from Calcutta University, he had begun his career as Senior English Master, St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling. He’s currently Consulting on Mobile Phone Industry & CSR.
AMIT GARG Amit Garg is the Founder-Director of Element94 from where he drives development of innovative solutions for sustainable talent development. He is very passionate about student welfare and the quality of education in India. His passion for excellence prompted him to form a not-for-profit organization — Institutional Excellence Forum — with like-minded professionals from the industry. Through the forum, he aims to make excellence an agenda on everyone’s mind. Prior to founding Element94 he was heading the creatives unit at Mudra and Euro RSCG.
ANURAG BATRA Anurag Batra is an entrepreneur, journalist, Internet evangelist and media expert all rolled into one. Mr Batra is the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of exchange4media Group, which includes exchange4media.com (India’s leading media industry website), Pitch (India’s only Advertising, Marketing and Media Magazine), Impact (the Marketing Weekly), Franchise Plus (India’s Business Opportunity Magazine), Realty Plus (India’s leading monthly real estate magazine) and www.samachar4media.com, a leading media industry website in Hindi.
ASHOK SINGH Ashok Singh is a B.Tech from IIT, Kharagpur with over 30 year’s experience in Operations, Projects, Materials Management, HR and General Management in companies like ICI, Chambal Fertilizers and Eternit Everest. He has promoted and managed successful consulting firms like “The Management Group”, “Gilbert Tweed Management Group (P) Ltd.”etc. He is also a key promoter of Ballistic Learning Pvt Ltd, Unified Learning Pvt Ltd, both companies in e-learning product development and services. He has extensive experience of training managers on change management and managerial competencies.
GILL TARAN Gil Taran is currently the CEO of iCarnegie Global Learning, LLC, after having previously distinguished himself as a career army officer, an educational entrepreneur, a successful international business executive, and an award-winning educator at one of the world’s top universities. Gil spent 10 years on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University where he taught in the Master of Software Engineering programme at the university’s School of Computer Science and at the Software Engineering Institute. During this time, Gil also helped to manage two companies: GIMETO, a US-based software company that trained professionals in developing countries, and Tekama, a Russian-based software engineering education company that conducted corporate training programs for local and Eastern European IT markets.
PROF. PIET KOMMERS Dr. Piet Kommers is an early pioneer in media for cognitive and social support. His doctoral research explored methods for hypertext and concept mapping in learning. Since 1982 he has developed educational technology as an engineering approach for learning and teaching.
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SUBHAMOY DAS Subhamoy Das is a former journalist, social media expert, communications specialist, and change management professional based in Chennai, India. He has over 15 years of experience in corporate communications and international public relations having worked with top global corporations. He conducts workshops for communications professionals and is a prominent speaker on topics related to social media marketing. Subhamoy works with eBay Inc., and currently leads Marketing Communications for PayPal in India. He is also the Vice President of the India Chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
SUBIMAL BHATTACHARJEE Subimal Bhattacharjee is a globally recognized expert on cyber security and critical infrastructure protection, based in New Delhi, India. He was one of the 31 experts appointed by the United Nations in 2008 to set the agenda for the 20 nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) that was set up to study the impact of cyber on international security. He is also a member of key governmental advisory panels and industry task forces. He has just been nominated to the Expert Group on Global Initiatives under the Sam Pitroda Expert Committee to review the functioning of Prasar Bharati. He is a regular columnist and writes on issues related to security and technology policy, global internet governance and cyber security issues.
SUKANTA DEY Sukanta Dey is an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, and an engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. His three decades of rich experience in marketing and communications is laced with impressive industry accreditations. He was named one of the top 50 marketing professionals in the country by marketing industry panel of Pitch Magazine in November 2004. He was invited to chair the GSM World Series, India Conference for a continuous period of four years and has been the moderator/keynote speaker in International Telecom conferences. Mr Dey is currently the Chief Operating Officer of MAII-Stratford University, USA.
VIPUL SETH Vipul Seth is currently working with iCarnegie Global solutions, a subsidiary of Carnegie Mellon University, where he is responsible for business development and building alliances with partners in India and in neighboring countries. He has a vast experience of more than 15 years in Sales & Marketing, strategy and business development, especially for entering new markets. He has worked with various industries such as KPO (WNS), training and skills development (Hero Mindmine & Aspire India), retail banking (HDFC Bank), credit cards (AMEX) and manufacturing (Daubert VCI).
VIRAJ KALRA Viraj Kalra is a trainer by passion and a brand consultant by profession. He has 14+ years of global experience in leadership roles in varied fields like training, higher education, motion-pictures, media, PR & marketing consulting.
DR. VISHAL TALWAR Dr. Vishal Talwar bides his time as marketing academic as well as mentor and strategy advisor to entrepreneurial startups in the United Kingdom and India. He is currently Assistant Professor at Hneley Business School, London and visiting fellow at the London School of Economics where he leads the Marketing Strategy and International Marketing courses.
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W
W
Mayank Shukla
Gurjashan Singh
Turning Innovation Expertise into Results T
Amit R. Nair
Behind the Making T
Turning Innovation Expertise into Results
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W
Surbhi Kathuria
Tushar Sharma
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Foreword
‘SKILLTREE EDUCATION EVANGELIST of India’ makes a compelling reading. It is a positive and creative approach to what we would like to see in the Indian higher education system. It showcases education visionaries and philanthropists as change agents who have embarked on and embraced new pathways, contributing towards quality growth in specific professional areas. Portrayed herein are skilled management leaders, doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, engineers, filmmakers, etc. who by their achievements have enabled quality in diverse educational spheres using the power of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a well know fact that the essential fundamentals which contribute towards a knowledge economy are higher order thinking skills, domain specialization and core research & development for innovation and product development. This book highlights innovative models towards that end; it is a collation of real-time success stories enabling a common mission, the development of a knowledge economy in India. SkillTree Knowledge Consortium, has made considerable effort in channelizing
these anecdotes,
earlier available as a
television series on ET NOW. Compiling those into a book, SkillTree Educational Evangelist of India eloquently articulates how home-grown solutions are sustainable, empowering individuals with the requisite quality education in their preferred domain, on par with global standards. These are great examples for others to follow, to scale quality capacity for India tomorrow.
SOM MITTAL President, NASSCOM (India’s apex body of IT-BPM Industry)
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DR. NAGESH RAO, Prsident & Director Mudra Institute of Communications Research & Education
DR. R. S. K. LAKSSHMANA PRABHU Chairman, PSNA
DR. B. S. SATYANARAYANA Head, RVCE
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SRI L. GOPALAKRISHNAN Managing Trustee, PSG INSTITUTIONS
ASHOK KUMAR PANSARI, President Gyan Sagar Foundation & Chairman, RGI ANIL KUMAR MODI, Vice Chairman, RGI
C. VALLIAPPA, Chairman DHIRAJLAL AMARCHAND GANDHI Secretary, Sona College of Technology
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DEV MURTI, Founder-cum-Managing Trustee and Chairman, Sri Ram Murti Smarak Trust
DR. S. PARSURAMAN Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
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PARAG DIWAN, Vice Chancellor University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
DR. LAVU RATHAIAH Chairman, Vignan Group of Institutions
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Chairman & Founder, Whistling Woods International
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SUBHASH GHAI
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FATHER E. ABRAHAM, S.J. Director, XLRI
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DR. HARI KRISHNA MARAM Founder and CEO, Imperial College
DR JOSEPH V.G Chairman, Garden City College
DR. M. R. JAYARAM Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation
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GURMEET SINGH DHALIWAL, Founder and Chairman-cum-Managing Director Baba Farid Group of Institutions
RONY GEORGE KURIEN COO, Ecole H么teli猫re Lavasa
118 SOBHA RANI NANDURY Chairperson, The ICFAI Society
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RAMASHANKAR SINGH Chancellor, ITM University
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DR. AMIR ULLAH KHAN President and Vice Chancellor, Glocal University
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HARI MOHAN GUPTA, Chairman Jagran Social Welfare Society Chancellor, Jagran Lakecity University
KAMAL MEHTA Chairman, Jodhpur National University
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TARANJIT SINGH Managing Director, JIS
DR. RAMDAS M. PAI President & Chancellor, Manipal University
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FATHER E. ABRAHAM, S.J. Director, XLRI
The Visionary and His Vision FATHER E. ABRAHAM, S.J. the present Director of XLRI Jamshedpur,
Abraham the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. The Association of
shares the vision of the founding father of XLRI, Father Quinn Enright,
Indian Management Schools conferred on him the prestigious Ravi J.
S.J. who wanted to “renew the face of the earth” with this institution.
Mathai National Fellow Award on August 27, 2012 for his exemplary
A Jesuit priest, Father Abraham obtained his postgraduate diploma in
contribution to the field of management education.
Personnel Management & Industrial Relations from XLRI Jamshedpur in Thereafter, he obtained his doctorate in Human Resources
institute he is leading. As Director of XLRI, he is helping shape a world-
Development from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, and has, since then
class institution, thereby making XLRI a “global institute” where faculty,
held many important titles such as the Director, XIM, Bhubaneswar from
researchers, and students can exchange ideas and engage in joint
2000-2007 and Member on the Board of Governors of many prestigious
publications. His interest in research has resulted in building a robust
institutions, both in India as well as abroad. In view of his dedication to
research climate at XLRI and furthering the Fellow Programme in
the world of academics, the National HRD Network conferred on Father
Management (FPM) — a doctoral programme.
1978.
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Father Abraham is always in pursuit of setting higher goals for the
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n academic institution, whose motto has been to create leaders, is surely a standout among the rest. Imparting education and creating academicians is a feat which can be accomplished by most good institutions but parting knowledge, skills and experience in a manner that those who have received it are seen as a boon to society is a feat few institutions seem to have achieved. The first among them is XLRI — India’s premier management institute.
XLRI’s spirit of Magis or pursuit of excellence, leads it forward as it lays utmost emphasis on academic excellence, personal values and social concerns. XLRI’s management has believed in guiding the students to create their own identity. Instead of walking the beaten path they create new routes; instead of benchmarking the accomplishments of others they prefer to be benchmarked, they do not want to be second to anyone but would rather be the first to respond to the needs of the people and the nation, by taking up the tasks which are bold but necessary and which nobody has hitherto taken up. This enterprising and pioneering spirit can be witnessed throughout the history of XLRI.
XLRI is the oldest management school in India. It spares “X no effort to make its curriculum world-class and deliver it in the most effective manner. It constantly keeps track of developments in business and in society and tries to proactively meet the real-world challenges.” The True Leader
curriculum is stagnant. At XLRI it has been ensured that the curriculum
India had just achieved her freedom in 1947, and it was a Jesuit Priest,
continuously evolved. Industry needs and the economy at large were
Father Quinn Enright’s vision to be a partner in the development journey
given prime importance whilst striving to shape management education.
of independent India. He was helped by Father Bill Tome in giving shape
Built amidst 40 acres, the XLRI campus boasts a state-of-the-art
to his vision. Motivated by their dedication and efforts, other Jesuit
academic learning center. This learning center has eight air-conditioned
companions too joined them in their endeavor.
amphitheater classrooms, syndicate rooms, a computer center with
Thus, in 1949, Father Enright laid the foundation of XLRI in the Steel
latest servers and workstations and an air-conditioned examination
City of Jamshedpur, in Jharkhand (erstwhile Bihar). The very fact that this
hall. Besides these, the campus also has a world-class library, superior
institute was set up in a rural rather than an urban area reflects the
IT infrastructure with Wi-Fi connectivity, three state-of-the-art
management’s intent to give its students a first-hand experience of non-
auditoriums, excellent sporting and recreation facilities and comfortable
metro, rural India and the challenges that our less privileged citizens
student and staff residences and an infirmary. A new XLRI Jamshedpur
face on a day-to-day basis even when it comes to meeting basic needs.
campus extension with much better facilities will be ready by January
This experience lends its students a deeper insight into under-served
2014.
markets and the empathy to gauge the unmet needs of Indians in nonmetro cities and villages of India.
The curriculum at XLRI has constantly evolved in line with the industry needs in particular and the economy at large. It strives to shape management education by giving due importance in curricula to ethical
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Continuation of Legacy
and socially responsible aspects of management. In addition to its
For the past six decades XLRI has been amongst the top four
portfolio of full-time, flagship management PGDM programmes in
management schools in India. This surely cannot happen if the
Business Management, Human Resource Management and General
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Management,
Key Features Passion for academic excellence is what pushes this institute to achieve greater heights each year The management strongly believes in inculcating strong human values in its students A sensitive social conscience imbued in the students shall help them build a morally strong society An abiding commitment to improve the quality of life in organizations and society Integrity in the faculty and students shall create individuals who stand responsible for their actions and thus are morally conscious
XLRI
also
offers
faculty and student exchange Member of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Is a signatory of PRME - Principles for Responsible Management Education. The PRME are inspired by internationally accepted values such as the principles of the United Nations Global Compact IKisan, a comprehensive Agri Portal promoted by Nagarjuna Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (NFCL) for a joint six month on-line self learning Certificate Programme in Agri-Business Management Collaboration with YI (Young Indians) established the first YI Net at XLRI Jamshedpur in April 2008. The Yi Net at XLRI is an initiative to empower the students to work towards the development of education, employability, environment, youth affairs and health sectors.
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
cultural and
festival
‘VALHALLA’
students by way of part-time and
acclaimed MAXI FAIR — a two-day
virtual interactive learning and
Marketing Fair designed in a fun
executive education programmes
way to elicit unbiased and accurate
for working professionals. Students
information
are encouraged to apply theoretical
perceptions and preferences..
the
about
much
consumer
learning viz: case studies, research
XLRI also takes credit for being
methodologies, frameworks etc. to
one of the most e-enabled business
solve
management
schools in India. Every student is
challenges facing private, public
equipped with a laptop/desktop in
and
his/her room and has round-the-
real-life non-profit
sectors
of
the
clock access to intranet as well as
economy. Alongside a rigorous academic
internet. XLRI as an institute is very
‘XLRI-MAXI
proactive and alive. Not only is it
LEGALIZE International - 3.0’ — an
meeting the demands of the industry,
international
competition;
it goes one step ahead and finds out
‘INSIGHT’ - the annual Consulting
what is the next biggest need of the
Conference and ‘ENSEMBLE’, one
industry and tries to meet it. New
of the leading Business Summits in
initiatives like the Entrepreneurship
India, Annual Finance Conclave —
Cell has been set up which is a very
‘Gnosis’ in Mumbai, National HR
unique, one-of-its-kind initiative in
Conference, ‘National Convention
Jharkhand. There are plans to take
on
finance and consulting beyond the
festivals
Forged partnerships with 25 Universities globally for
and
programmes for varied segments of
curriculum, XLRI also holds various
Achievements and Accolades
sports
such
as
level
Responsible
National
Conference
Leadership’, on
Social
Entrepreneurship, a 3-day annual
boundary of the institute to the frontiers of the industry.
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It is very important that higher education institutions in India shape professionals who are ethical and have a high sense of responsibility and integrity. At XLRI we strive to mould responsible business leaders who will contribute in shaping a sustainable future. Father E. Abraham, S. J.
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SUBHASH GHAI Chairman & Founder, Whistling Woods International
The Showman’s Special Show SUBHASH GHAI, renowned filmmaker, producer and screenplay writer thought of establishing Whistling Woods International (WWI) when he
His days as a student at the FTII also helped him a lot. As he says,
realized that a specific kind of education was needed to create a film &
“Before I joined film school, I had expected to learn filmmaking with a
media professional who is able to serve the industry well while building a
specific educational methodology. While undergoing film education, I
career for himself. Joining the industry after attending a first rate institute
realized that it was significantly different, albeit very fascinating. While
gives an individual the sort of confidence that is essential to make a mark
a lot of my success was enabled by my film education, several key
instead of getting lost in a huge crowd with others who share the same
aspects critical to an individual’s success were never communicated to
career goal. Apart from producing and directing, Ghai has also trained
me, thereby leaving my education isolated from the real world.”
numerous artists and technicians. His enormous experience has made him aware of the shortcomings in newcomers. This enabled him to
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visualize the concept of the right academic mix for his film school.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Caring, loving and compassionate, Ghai shares a special bond with his family which consists of his wife and two daughters.
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espite having a film industry that is almost a hundred years old and employs close to a million people, India has very few good film schools. It lacked the kind of film education that was at par with the best film schools around the world. Ghai recollects, “The industry needed professionals who were trained, educated and employable — those who understood the art, science and commerce of the industry and those who could lead India’s M&E industry to the next level. The combination of art, science and commerce in Media and
Entertainment education was what was missing in India.” The problem that Ghai had sensed way back in the 1990s was disturbingly real. At WWI therefore, Ghai and his team created a body of expert academicians and professionals who made possible the necessary environment conducive to the sort of education the school sought to provide. A challenging curriculum was developed, one that had excellent scope for an individual to experiment with his ideas in the art, science and business of media and entertainment. It was ensured that the students must be encouraged to appreciate, analyse and promote various kinds of Indian and world cinema including regional popular cinema from across the globe in order to widen their spectrum of social connect with the world.
Whistling Woods International creates the next “W generation of creative, technical and management professionals for the Media & Entertainment industry. It is comprised of the industry and creates talent for the industry.” Vision and Challenges
School with a Difference
150,000 square feet of world class infrastructure, WWI is an illustrious
possibly its most significant USP, “WWI is run as a filmmaker’s film
example for others to follow. The WWI Mumbai campus is located inside
school, not a businessman’s film school. I have invested my life’s
Mumbai’s film & television production hub, ‘Filmcity’. Apart from the
earnings. It is something that I have done to give back to the industry
beauty and creativity-inducing nature of the surroundings, it puts the
that is really and desperately needed.”
Spread across a campus land area of five acres in Mumbai including
institution right in the middle of the industry, which has multiple obvious
Among its features that make WWI stand apart are its global
and latent benefits. While it was being set up however, WWI did face its
curriculum with a strong Indian focus, faculty comprising current
share of obstacles.
working professionals, world-class infrastructure and facilities and
Since India does not have a rich history of film education, professionals
integration with the industry. The institute lays special emphasis on
from the industry with some exposure to film education had to be put
technology. Administratively, there is a google-docs based system for
through a grueling teachers’ training programme that honed their skills
student information tracking and other specific softwares for student
as educators. Integrating the industry with the school was another major
recruitment tracking, lead tracking and accounting. The institute is on
challenge. Other challenges included finding an appropriate location,
an MS Exchange server. Academics are run on the Apple platform, and
putting together the requisite technology for long-term world-class film
multiple softwares serve the needs of students for editing, sound,
and media education which did not exist in India at that time and
production management, screenwriting, design etc.
ensuring appropriate senior management.
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WWI commenced operations on July 18, 2006. Ghai explains what is
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Key Features Truly global curriculum with a strong India focus & a unique teaching methodology Faculty comprises current working professionals of the highest caliber from the Media & Entertainment industry World-class Infrastructure & facilities Industry integration - faculty, guest faculty, placements, research mentorship - the Film & Media industry is very much a part of the day-to-day education of students Technology Partnerships with the biggest tech companies in the Media & Entertainment industry such as Sony, ARRI, Red, Apple, Avid, Kodak, Fuji, and many more
Achievements and Accolades Rated among the Ten Best Film Schools in the world by The Hollywood Reporter, both in 2010 and in 2013. WWI was invited by the Ministry of Human Resource Development - Government of India, to design a curriculum in Media Studies for the 11th & 12th grades of the CBSE board. In 2010 WWI was accepted as a full member of CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Ecoles de Cinéma et de Télévision) - a global association of film schools, which lays very high standards on admitting members. In 2011, Sony, the world’s largest M&E company recognized WWI as a leader in the Media & Entertainment sector globally and chose to partner with WWI to set up their 3rd global ‘Sony Media Technology Centre’.
26-27
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
A Big Step Ahead
Executive Director and Dean, ably
WWI started with 90 students in
assists
eight courses. Today, the school
management. His daughter, Meghna
has 500 students who are pursuing
runs WWI like clockwork and also
13 different courses. Three other
looks after the overall growth of the
branches of WWI are in the offing.
brand. Her husband, Rahul Puri is
The
Head—Academics and looks after
second
opened
in
partnership
campus
in
August
2013
with
the
Pune in
DYPatil
the
him
overall
in
the
overall
business
and
operationally runs the academics.
education group, the ‘DYPatil—
Chaitanya
Chinchlikar
is
Vice
Whistling Woods Film & Media
President—Business Development
School’. WWI’s third campus — the
and looks after the affiliations, new
‘Bradford—Whistling Woods Film &
courses and new campuses.
Media School’ opened in Bradford,
WWI’s stature notwithstanding,
UK in August 2013. Bradford has
Mr Ghai wants to see his school
been classified as a UNESCO City of
grow even further. Says the man
Film and is being re-invented as a
himself, “In five years, we would
Film & Media hub for the UK.
like to see Whistling Woods churn
WWI’s 4th campus opens in Lagos,
out
Nigeria. Setup in partnership with
professionals. We would like to see
Trend Media City, the institute is
the percentage of international
called the ‘African Film & TV
students rise, add an additional
Academy’
international campus and have a
and
commenced
operations in September 2013.
skillfull
young
M&E
free flow of students between all its
Although Mr Ghai is the mind
five campuses.” Rest assured, WWI
behind WWI, he follows a hands-off
will offer even more as the show
leadership style. Mr Ravi Gupta, the
goes on.
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The best aspect of education is that it encourages thirst for more education. Education has an intrinsic value. Without education, a man just sees a room. With education, he finds himself in a room with all its windows open to the outside world. Subhash Ghai
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DR. LAVU RATHAIAH Chairman, Vignan Group of Institutions
A Guide’s Helping Hand
28-29
DR. LAVU RATHAIAH, the Chairman of Vignan Group of Institutions
As he grew up, this well-known education entreprenuer understood the
feels that an individual’s environment often plays a key role in deciding
source of the problem. Due to improper student support systems and
his mission in life. Born to a middle class agricultural family in
poor educational practices in the institutions, students were unable to
Pednandipadu, a small village in Guntur District, he reflects, “During my
get degrees. Many of them dropped out at the +2 level itself. Most of
school and college days, I used to find many families from my village
them being first-generation learners had no proper guidance at home.
relocating to the nearby towns to avail better facilities of education for
Those who came from government-funded public schools experienced
their school- and college-going children. It entailed high expenditure for
a very rough transition when they entered the higher institutions of
the families, whose chief source of income was agriculture. Often, the
learning. “Dismayed by the existing system, I started to ponder whether
families had to forego a lot of comforts to sponsor their children’s
I could contribute in some way to prevent this waste of human
education. Sadly, even after so many sacrifices by the parents, a good
resources. This thought eventually persuaded me to start my own
number of children dropped out at the college level.”
education institution at Vadlamudi in Guntur district,” he says.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
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W
hen the Vignan Group of Institutions came into being, there were very few institutions for higher education in Andhra Pradesh. The repercussion was that the students had to struggle to get admission in a college. Even after one secured a seat, completing the course successfully to get a degree was everything but easy. Many parents were willing to pay higher fees for providing quality education to their children but there weren’t enough options. Having realized the need of the hour, Dr Rathaiah went ahead with his objective of
changing the face of education in the state. Vignan started schools and junior colleges. The Group became one of the earliest private providers of high standard of education at the school and +2 level. Drawing on the best of ancient Indian education and modern Western education, all the institutions of the Vignan Group from kindergarten to post graduation cater to the educational needs of its students. Besides, physical education is given utmost priority.
“Vignan Group of Institutions pays equal emphasis on academic achievement as well as on social and personal development. They aim to foster healthy support for the all-round development of students through close relationships — to self, environment, community, etc.” Vignan Today
Vadlamudi in Guntur. The Group has gone from strength to strength as
A typical Vignan institution is located far away from the town or city life
the years have gone by.
in an idyllic environment surrounded by lush greenery, equipped with
Vignan University started out with 1147 students in the first year of its
large fields for sporting activities, spacious classrooms, good
operation (2009), the current strength is 4,339. At present the strength
laboratories and a well-stocked library supported by latest digital
of students in Vignan Group is more than 42,000.
sources of learning. All the institutions aim to foster healthy support for
Unlike conventional academic institutions, the Vignan Group’s vision
the all-round development of students through close relationships with
of education has unique differentiating factors. It exhibits a keen focus
the self, environment and community.
in radical alternatives to conventional education. As Dr Rathaiah says,
A Vignan institution is run with a democratic participation of the
“We have always shown how strongly students and teachers can grow
students, be it at a school or in an engineering college. Students are
together when the ordinary, authoritative boundaries of education are
taught how to behave responsibly, to cooperate and to learn together.
replaced by trust, collaboration, creative inquiry and enlightened self
“Our institutions pay equal emphasis on academic achievement as well
determination.”
as on social and personal development,” he says.
30-31
The number of students has grown manifold.
In the Group’s institutions, most decisions regarding many aspects of
The first institution started by Dr Rathaiah was Vignan Engineering
policy, including questions of discipline, are decided democratically. The
College, which commenced operations in 1997. It acquired the status of
students have a close bonding with the staff, which makes it easy for the
Deemed University (V F S T R) in 2009. The University is located at
former and their parents to approach the latter. The teachers endeavour
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
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to mentor their students by making
times, I too have to play autocratic
them responsible which, in turn,
of
enables the youngsters to act
institution
Led by a genuine interest in radical alternatives to conventional education. Vignan Group has always shown how strongly students and teachers can grow together when the ordinary, authoritative boundaries of education are replaced by trust, collaboration, creative inquiry and enlightened self determination.
independently and gives them the
future, he is motivated by his
ability to work and live with others
conviction that the purpose of
around them. There is a conscious
schooling is to inspire intellectual
policy of addressing the student’s
autonomy and growth for the
internal
betterment
At all Vignan institutions, most of the decisions regarding many aspects of policy, including questions of discipline, are decided democratically.
emotional, etc.) as well as external
encouraging
circumstances (social, language,
thoughtful, observant, articulate,
economic, etc.) which may not
and bold. This philosophy makes
The students have a great relationship with the staff. Students always find it easy to approach them.
match
Vignan stand out in a crowd. As he
Teachers seek to mentor the students to make them outstanding. They try to address all their internal needs (cognitive, emotional, etc.) as well as their external circumstances (social, language, economic, etc.) which may not match strictly the linear requirements of a structured education.
education.
Key Features
needs
strictly
requirements
(cognitive,
with
the
of
linear
structured
Vignan students were the proud partners in the Development of the Nation’s first Student Pico Satellite Project (STUDSAT), successfully launched by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) at Sriharikota (AP) on 12th July 2010. Received Best Student Chapter Award from Indian Society for Technical Education(ISTE) for the year 2011 for overall leadership and quantum of activities by the students. The Student Section of ISTE received Diversity Action Grant from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for the year 2012 for knowledge management in Robotics & Hydraulics Workshop Project. Recipient of the Chief Minister’s Award of Excellence for Best Placements in 2006 and maintaining a consistent placement record of 68 to 70%. Recipient of the Governor’s Award for Outreach Programmes in 2001.
32-33
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
adds,
While
leading
towards
“The
of
the
a
the
brighter
society
students
to
strength
of
by be
our
institution includes the student’s
With the passage of time, the
spiritual, moral, social and cultural
Vignan Group has developed a
development and promotion of
remarkable
of
student welfare, health and safety,
successful and happy people in all
including effective safeguarding
walks of life across the globe. Its
procedures.
former pupils have made an impact
behaviour
in a wide range of areas ranging
irrespective of the stream they
from science to the arts, academia
pursue in their lives later.”
alumni
base
to business, service to society to
Achievements and Accolades
course.”
mass
media.
The
education
Our is
students’ outstanding
Institutions, according to him, must
address
the
student
entrepreneur says, “What emerges
holistically or must not get in the
is a picture of people who appear to
way at all. Otherwise, there is no
be
positive,
value in education. He concludes,
tolerant of others, and above all, are
“Dr. Abdul Kalam says we must
keen to engage with life and fulfil
educate the young minds without
their potential as human beings.”
impairing
open,
optimistic,
their
natural
inquisitiveness and adventurous
The Man who Shows the Way
spirit to explore and discover new things on their own.” If the nation in
has to grow in the right direction,
following a democratic style of
this is a vision many teachers as
leadership prefers to take action by
well as education entrepreneurs
consensus. However, he adds, “At
might wish to follow.
Dr
Rathaiah
who
believes
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Education, according to me, is all about expanding the mind. It should shape us into culturally sensitive, adventurous and proactive beings that are responsive to the society and its problems. Dr. Lavu Rathaiah
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PARAG DIWAN Vice Chancellor, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
Superb Training for Super Specialization
34-35
PARAG DIWAN, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Petroleum and
Establishing an academic institution that aims to provide specialized
Energy Studies (UPES) believes, “Education offers an opportunity to
courses is always difficult. However, Diwan’s experience in both the
create intellectual capital for the country at a number of levels — faculty,
corporate and the academic world had convinced him about the need
institution and students. It provides an opportunity to ‘build a nation’ in
for relevant education which provides meaningful employment
the truest sense of the phrase.” Education is possibly the most important
opportunities to graduating students in the industry. As he says, “If your
requirement of social progress. Such are the demands of modern times
product is industry-ready, corporates like to visit to you again
that it needs to reach all classes of society to facilitate a nation’s growth.
and again.”
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W
hen UPES was started way back in 2003, the oil and gas sector was opening up. Keeping that in mind, the Institution created a focused segment of education products in oil and gas, and energy sectors. As it went along, it rode the rising tide of robust economic growth and targeted other sectors such as aviation and infrastructure. Diwan explains the Institution’s strategy, “We always believed in being ahead of the curve and creating innovative sector-specific educational programmes that cater to the emerging needs of the
industry.”
When one views the worth of an UPES degree in today’s times, it is difficult to imagine the challenges it had faced at the outset. Not surprising, since the Institution that had started with 250 students in 2003 has more than 6,000 students today. Diwan remembers the early days, “Even as early as in 2003, a number of hitherto unknown universities had started giving out MBA degrees. The quality of these graduates was not up to the mark. There was always the possibility that UPES would also be seen as just another such university. It took a lot of evangelizing with the industry to make them aware of the uniqueness of UPES programmes and therefore its graduates. It was a challenge to put across the USP of UPES that its sectorspecific graduates require minimal training by the recruiting companies.” The Institution set up industry level HR forums to focus on the need for industry-ready talent. This also served as a vibrant platform for contemporarizing the curriculum. At the same time, UPES reached out to build a team of faculty members with the right blend of academic qualifications, research orientation and industry awareness. As these processes continued, UPES management also made sure that it did not ever lose sight of the key element that makes a great university: a modern infrastructure with the right academic ambience.
UPES aims to change mindsets and attitudes by “U strategizing and implementing action plans that will reflect in the rigorous academic programmes of the university.” Journey Ahead
equipped guest house, gymnasiums, basketball court, play fields,
“Convinced by UPES’ unique vision, a major nationalized bank came
excellent cafes, fire tender, infirmary with ambulance, shopping
forward and financed campus development. It was possibly the first time
complex, food court and extensive hostel facilities. The Institution has
in India that a campus was financed by a bank,” says Diwan with
also implemented various innovative eco-friendly practices such as
understandable pride. After observing its credit worthiness, track record
energy conservation, use of renewable energy, rain water harvesting,
on sustainable revenue streams, loan and principal repayment and ICRA
plantation
credit ratings, two other prominent banks came forward to finance
management.
infrastructure development. Surrounded by lush green forests and hills, UPES is located in the
36-37
and
hazardous
waste
management
and
e-waste
As a part of the master plan, the University proposes to shift two of its three constituent colleges to a new campus in a phased manner.
foothills of the Himalayas in a 30-acre spacious campus at Pondha
UPES, being a University with sector-specific programmes, has certain
Valley of Dehradun. This location is ideal for serious academics as the
goals that are in keeping with its objective. Diwan explains, “Our intent
tranquility helps students to focus better. The campus is self-sufficient
is to have a dynamic relationship with the industry and the economy.
with all the amenities a student can ask for. The University set-up is
Academics have to be in step with the emerging needs of both, if not
spread inside one campus, which has more than 600,000 sq.ft. of built-
ahead. How can education help our country leverage the young
up area housing 6000+ students, 350+ faculty members, 100 multimedia-
demographics that it enjoys? Education should not only equip the youth
enabled classrooms, 70 super specialized labs, a New Age learning
to tap the opportunities coming their way, it should give them the
resource centre, advanced computing centre, MDP Centre with a well-
confidence to create newer growth avenues for the country.”
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He believes that in the era of
University in Shillong last year.”
super specialization, the domain-
The institution called University of
focused programmes help leapfrog
Technology
First Indian Energy University approved by UGC U/S 2(f) of UGC Act, 1956
the career of a student in the
shares
industry on which the programme
uniqueness of the concept. He
First Indian Energy University accredited by Energy Institute, UK
is focused. What UPES offers to a
adds, “For the University, it is still
candidate
the
early days. As we did during the
beginning of their higher education.
initial phase of UPES, we are
By
the
working really hard to ensure
candidate can develop skillsets and
acceptability of this new genre of
get exposure to work in the specific
programmes among the relevant
industry. Students can move to the
segment of the industry.”
Key Features
First Indian Energy Institution to set-up Bio-Diesel Laboratory First Indian University to implement SAP First GRIHA Rated Educational University Campus in India.
is
focusing
a
choice
on
at
domains,
functional area expertise in career in any industry later. As leaders, Diwan and other
the
Management
same
USP:
the
As far as UPES is concerned, the next plan is to go international. Certain emerging markets have
seniors in the top management
been
believe in following a leadership
developmental activities are taking
style that is participative and
place in the specialized areas of
hugely delegative. “Leaders inspire
UPES. The idea is to selectively
their team members to bring out
offer some of the undergraduate
their best and utilize the special
and post graduate programmes to
talents of each member in the team
these markets.
and work to improve upon their
Achievements and Accolades
and
shortcomings,” he explains.
identified
where
The growth of UPES in the last one decade shows that there is a huge demand for its courses.
Won the Best Innovative University Award at the ASSOCHAM Education Excellence Awards, April 2013
Vision of the Future
Considering the rate at which it is
The ideology of UPES has been
expanding, it does seem that the
Chancellor has been conferred Petro-tech Award for Distinguished Contributor’s Research Award, 2013
carried forward. Diwan informs, “In
University has just one way to go:
fact, we have launched a new
which is, forward.
University has been conferred with ‘World Oil Award’ for Quality Education, 2013 CSR Excellence in Education Awards 2013, Competition Success Review, under category of Best Managed University UPES has been conferred with Green Campus Award by World Education Summit, 2013
38-39
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
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Education is a process that leads a person towards self-actualization. This implies education be such which not only broadens the mind but also equips one with life skills that make a person productive for self and society at large. Parag Diwan
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DR. S. PARSURAMAN Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Teaching to Build a Strong, Thoughtful Community DR. S. PARSURAMAN, Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, is a dynamic administrator who holds a Masters degree in Science and a
On the basis of his extensive research on topics such as Involuntary
DPD from the prestigious ISS, in Hague. He also has a doctoral degree
Resettlement of People, Globalization Governance, Social Exclusion and
from Mumbai University for his research on water and energy resources.
Disaster Management, he has written over 50 research articles, 30 of
With a deep knowledge of the various fields of Social Anthropology,
which have been published in national and international journals. He
Demography, Research Methodology and Rural Development, he has
has also co-athoured several books such as Listening to People Living in
held many senior positions
such as the Asia Regional Policy
Poverty, Bangalore: Books for Change, 2003 and the India Disasters
Coordinator at the Action Aid International, Asia Regional Office (from
Report, USA and New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2000. His
January 2001 till June 2004) in Bangkok, Thailand. He was also a Senior
individual work The Development Dilemma: Displacement in India, Great
Advisor to the Commission, and Team Leader of the Secretariat, World
Britain was published by Macmillan Press Ltd., in 1999.
Commission on Dams, IUCN-World Bank from
September 1998 to
December 2000 in Cape Town, South Africa. His knowledge has proved beneficial in the India Programme (October 1995-December 1997), New
40-41
Delhi, India where he was the Programme Director of Oxfam GB.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Dr. Parasuraman’s term as Director has brought in a whiff of fresh air to the Institute.
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E
Page 42
stablishing an institution which exudes excellence in higher education while continually responding to changing social realities, can be a daunting task. Through the development and application of knowledge dedicated to creating a people-centred, ecologically sustainable and just society, the Tata Institute of Social Studies has been able to give way to an environment which promotes and protects dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all. Since its inception, the Vision of TISS has been to be an institution of excellence in higher
education that continually responds to changing social realities through the development and application of knowledge, towards creating a peoplecentred, ecologically sustainable and just society that promotes and protects dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all. Facilitation of autonomous research and dissemination of knowledge has led the institute to create and make provision of socially relevant and high quality professional education. Moreover, the availability of a wide range of inter-disciplinary areas of Social Sciences pulls a large number of students from all sections of the society in the country. Post completion of an under graduate course, adequate support in knowledge is created through strong M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes and Post-Doctoral programmes. The institution has been built in a manner that strategic extension, field action and advocacy can be applied through training and capacity building of State and non-State institutions and personnel. The values that have been created therein are applied by providing professional response to natural and human-made disasters, through participation in relief and rehabilitation activities.
TISS is an institution of excellence in higher education “T that continually works towards creating a people-centred, ecologically sustainable and just society that promotes and protects dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all.” Horizon is the vision
Standout Features
With such a vision, The Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work
TISS has always strived to use its teachings to achieve practical
was started in 1936. In 1944, it was renamed as the Tata Institute of
purposes. The synergy between teaching, research and field action has
Social Sciences. The year 1964 was a landmark in the history of the
enabled TISS to continue to shape planning, policy and programme
Institute, as it was deemed to be a University under Section 3 of the
formulation, foster critical rethinking, and develop people-centred
University Grants Commission Act (UGC), 1956.
interventions.
Since then the Institute has created a niche for itself by making
TISS continues to be involved in critical research in diverse areas such
consistent contributions to civil society and the development sector
as education and literacy, family and children, women’s issues,
through education, research and field activity. It is recognized as an
HIV/AIDS, rural and urban development issues, displacement, youth
institution of repute by different ministries of the Government of India;
and human development, and the rights of Dalits, indigenous peoples,
various state governments; international agencies such as the United
minorities and other marginalised groups.
Nations;
and
the
non-government
sector,
both
national
and
In its bid to make development sustainable in regard to local
international. A high degree of freedom and autonomy shape the
communities, TISS has embarked on a programme of capacity-building in
positive work ethos and creativity in the Institute facilitating strong
the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
linkages between education, research, field action and dissemination.
42-43
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
The TISS Tuljapur Campus undertook a study of farmers’ suicides in
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Key Features Creation and provision of socially relevant and high quality professional education in a wide range of inter-disciplinary areas of Social Sciences, to a larger number of students, from all sections of society in the country. Facilitation of autonomous research and dissemination of knowledge. Support knowledge creation through strong M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes and Post-Doctoral scholars. Strategic extension, field action and advocacy through training and capacity building of State and non-State institutions and personnel. Initiate field action and advocacy to demonstrate and facilitate creation of policies and programmes. Professional response to natural and human-made disasters, through participation in relief and rehabilitation activities.
Achievements and Accolades The Special Cell for Women and Children, a Field Action Project of TISS, completed 25 years of work in 2009 on ‘Violence Against Women’ as a programme/service located in the police system. At present, 7 States have established Special Cells and efforts are on to establish the Special Cells in the remaining States and Union Territories of the country. TISS is the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in a countrywide project for capacity-building of higher institutions of learning in HIV/AIDS Counselling. Named Saksham, this project has been awarded an A-1 rating by The Global Fund. TISS has established collaborative research and student exchange programmes with over 25 universities and consortiums in Africa, Asia, the United States and Europe. TISS won the inaugural round of the Obama-Singh 21st Century Award for research on leadership
44-45
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Maharashtra, at the request of the
name of Muskaan: Centre for Child
Mumbai High Court, in 2005. The
and Adolescent Guidance. Again in
Report has been appreciated by the
1940 the first issue of The Indian
Court, both for providing valuable
Journal
insights into the rural livelihood
published. It was the first journal of
crises
of
Social
Work
was
its
policy
social work in South Asia. The
A
long-term
tradition of responding to human
action research project on agrarian
needs and natural disasters was
crisis has been initiated.
started way back in 1948 when
and
recommendations.
research
TISS sent relief teams in the
capabilities beyond the realm of the
aftermath of the Partition. To
nation,
Extending
its
established
continue the growth of education,
collaborative research and student
TISS started the Master’s degree
exchange programmes with over
programmes
25 universities and consortiums in
Administration.
Africa, Asia, the United States and
Administration were initiated in
Europe.
1998 and subsequently three new
TISS
has
in
Health
in
Hospital
“When you come to TISS you
Master’s Degree programmes were
come to an institution that has 76
initiated: Disaster Management,
years of history and experience in
Globalization and Labour, and
offering
and
Social Entrepreneurship, two new
research programs but also come to
Diploma programmes in Media and
work with Faculty that are world
Cultural Studies, and Psychosocial
class” - says TISS’s Director Dr. S.
Care
Parsuraman.
Management 2004. The Centre for
quality
teaching
and
Support
in
Disaster
Studies in Social Exclusion and
Pioneering Moves
Inclusive Policy was inaugurated in
In 1937 the Child Guidance Clinic,
2013. The continuous flow of
the Institute’s first Field Action
students has led TISS to establish
Project, was launched. The effort
two new campuses in Guwahati
continues even today under the
and Hyderabad.
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A high degree of freedom and autonomy shape the positive work ethos. DR . S. Parsuraman
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DEV MURTI Founder-cum-Managing Trustee and Chairman, Sri Ram Murti Smarak Trust
Filling a Void with a Dream
46-47
DEV MURTI was in the sugar manufacturing business before he became
engineering courses in various colleges in Uttar Pradesh.” SRMS Trust
an educationist. Not only this but he was also active in politics. What
has also endeavoured to bridge the gap between supply and demand in
motivated him to become an education entrepreneur was the
other professional courses by playing a hugely significant role. As he
realization that institutions providing good professional education were
adds, “By establishing Medical College, Nursing School and Paramedical
lacking in Uttar Pradesh. “During the time when the engineering college
College, SRMS Trust has tried to reduce a similar gap and contribute to
was established,” he remembers, “India was evolving as a global power
the process of making India a healthy nation.”Aware that the state needs
in the field of Information Technology and engineers were required in
more than it has, the trust has implemented its expansion plans and
large numbers. However, youngsters in Uttar Pradesh were losing out
initiated its good work in Lucknow.
on opportunities. In fact, only 1800 students could get admission in the
. Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering and Technology is the
year 1994 in the government-run engineering institutions.”
first in a series of institutes offering professional education that have
In 1996, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh experienced a change. It witnessed
been subsequently established by the Shri Ram Murti Smarak Trust,
the inauguration of Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering and
which was formed in 1990 with the prime objective of promoting
Technology, an academic institution which promised to redefine the
professional education. Says Dev Murti, whose enterprise has made this
academic map of the town. For many youngsters who wished to pursue
possible, “Once the U.P. Government passed the bill for privatization of
courses in the institute’s areas of specialization, its establishment was
professional education in 1994, we immediately applied. Ever since we
a dream fulfilled for them. Ever since the college was set up,
started out, we have established eight institutes imparting education in
circumstances have undergone a metamorphosis. Observes Murti,
the fields of Medicine, Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Computer
“Today, more than one lakh students are being admitted annually in
Application, Paramedical and Nursing.”
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edicated to the need for creating qualified, skilled and disciplined manpower to meet the demands of industry and society, SRMS Trust was started with the help of trustees who donated the funds for establishing the institutions and also raised money through public donations, deposits and bank loans. One major hurdle was that the socio-economic environment was not conducive during the initial phase. Raising adequate funds was a concern, as was the need to hire the right people to work for the Institute. Compliance with
regulating bodies like AICTE, MCI, PCI and Universities offered challenges that had to be met, while stakeholders had to develop an absolute trust in a novel venture of its kind.
SRMS Institutes are dedicated towards creating “S qualified, skilled and disciplined manpower to meet the demands of the society. It aims to develop the full potential and value systems of the students so that they can contribute significantly to the development of our nation.” Then and Now
our students into complete individuals. We focus on our rich traditional
Several years after the first institute came into being, SRMS Trust has
heritage and beliefs. We prepare them to feel proud of virtues and help
grown into an academic powerhouse in UP.
them to identify as well as stay away from negative thoughts.”
In the first year of its
operation in 1996, it had enrolled 240 students. Today, its strength exceeds 4,500 students who study in eight institutes at five separate
Living in a Modern World
campuses in a total land area of 106 acres. Each campus has features
Ours is an age of cut-throat competition in every field. Murti offers an
like an educational block, state-of-the-art laboratories, library,
interesting suggestion which, if implemented, could create a far better
auditorium,
video
and productive academic environment across the country. Says he, “I
conferencing facilities, separate hostels for boys and girls, recreational
believe that educational institutions should be open to exchange and
area, bank/ATM facility, residential area for faculty and staff, temple and
sharing of knowledge for best practices with each other to empower our
round-the-clock electricity, water supply and security. The Medical
country’s education system with
College has 950 beds, multi-super speciality, tertiary care and trauma
sharing his perspective on an ideal situational possibility, he adds that
Hospital.
the trust on its part is continuously driven by the desire to ensure quality
stadium,
world-class
seminar
rooms
with
It has a strong alumni network of more than 7,000 professionals
in every aspect, be it the intake of students and faculty, introduction of
spread across the globe, and happens to be among the few self-financed
latest technology as well as research and innovative teaching
educational institutions selected and funded by the World Bank for
methodology. “The alumni, students and the faculty are our brand and
TEQIP. Additionally, the trust awards Merit Scholarships worth rupees
marketeers, “ he says, which is the sign of an individual who sees to it
two crores to the students of SRMS Institutions every year.
without a break that every moment in time is synonymous with a
How do the institutes ensure that its students are a cut above the rest? Murti reflects, “Besides required skills and proficiency, we try to develop
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better qualitative standards.” While
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change for the better. He admits that the Indian education system has its share of
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shortcomings that need to be
want our institutes to be among the
erased.
Among the areas that
top 25, best-ranked institutions of
require attention is the evolution of
India in coming next five years and
State-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with latest tools to facilitate teaching and learning of global standards
an
to be considered as the best centre
Qualified and experienced faculty
Key Features
High merit intake of students and a strong alumni network of more than 7,000 professionals spread across the globe Among the few self-financed educational institutions selected and funded by World Bank for TEQIP Awards Merit Scholarships worth rupees two crores every year to the students of SRMS Institutions
effective
mechanism
for
implementing and monitoring the
for teaching and research.”
transfer
among
It is because of entrepreneurs like
students. Besides, the need for
Dev Murti that quality education
adequate infrastructure and global
can be accessed by more and more
standard evaluation processes is
students nationwide. However, a lot
also felt tremendously.
of work remains. There are many
An entrepreneur who believes in
small towns that are waiting for the
participative
of
learning
with
birth of similar institutions. India
collective responsibility, Mr Murti,
being a huge country, the task is
while being happy with what his
anything but easy. Sri Murti is a
trust has achieved, knows that
great example of what can be
growth is an unending process.
achieved if willpower and the
While SRMS Trust continues to
passion to make a change exist in a
expand,
person’s mind.
More individuals make
he
leadership
wants
to
see
its
institutes in the list of
the most
like
admired
potential
contribution in changing the fate of
among
candidates, students, academicians and industries. “Specifically, we
Achievements and Accolades Achiever of “Star Performer” for two consecutive years for imparting Quality Education in the year 2009 & 2010, awarded by U.P. Technical University, Lucknow SRMS Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly was awarded “ Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Best Educational Udyami Award”, a UP State Award in September 2013. Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering & Tech, Bareilly has been ranked A++ by Careers 360 Magazine in May 2012 & ranked among top, prominent engineering college in India by Competition Success Magazine, July 2012 Founder of the trust, Shri Dev Murti Ji awarded with “Edupreneur Award” by Engineering Watch in the year 2013. SRMS Institutions were awarded “Indian Education Award - 2011” which is the national awards for excellence in education for emerging higher education institutes.
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
him
the nation.
can
a
major
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Education for us stands for complete development of potential and value systems of students so that they can contribute significantly in their profession and development of our nation. Dev Murti
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C. VALLIAPPA Chairman, Sona College of Technology
DHIRAJLAL AMARCHAND GANDHI Secretary, Sona College of Technology
Giving Shape to Dreams VALLIAPPA pursued his undergraduation degree in a subject that requires
DHIRAJLAL AMARCHAND GANDHI, alumni of Leeds University places
keen mathematical aptitude and innate ability to apply theories to achieve
education as the most valuable asset. His ability to plan and prioritize
practical purposes. He thus holds a degree in commerce. The lessons
his activities enabled him to follow his plans meticulously.
which Mr. Valliappa had learnt in his commerce classes, enabled him to
A dedicated teacher, he has tried to inculcate the same value of
put the theories to practice in his textile mills. Hence, with knowledge,
education into his students, as he himself believes in. His efforts have
skills and an aim to make his business flourish he became the Director of
been recognized by the government and he has been felicitated by the
Sri Rajendra Mills Ltd and Managing Director of Sri Valliappa Textiles Ltd.
Tamil Nadu State Government with the Award for Best Teacher. He is
His achievements and experiences dawned on him the importance of
also a proud recipient of the John Pennycuick Award from the Federation
education. He then alongside managing his much flourishing business
of All Civil Engineers Association of Tamil Nadu.
also contributed his time and effort towards laying the foundation of Sona
54-55
A zealot for education, Dhirajlal Amarchand Gandhi guided the
College of Technology, Salem.
Thiagarajar Polytechnic College to achieve the title of the Best
His son Sri V. Chockalingam is currently the Vice Chairman of Sona
Polytechnic College in Tamil Nadu.
College of Technology, Salem and Chief Executive Officer of Vee
Not only has Mr. Dhirajlal Amarchand Gandhi set well defined goals
Technologies in Bangalore and Salem. Sri V. Thiagarajan, his other son
for himself but he has been an example to those around him. His own
too is a Vice Chairman & Executive Director at Sona College of
attributes of honesty, dedication and sincerity towards one’s goals have
Technology, Salem.
been followed by his students and children.
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he skills and knowledge of Mr. C. Valliappa and Mr. Dhirajlal Amarchand Gandhi, have helped Thiagarajar Polytechnic College reach its heights of excellence and make significant achievements in all areas of institutional development. In fact, Thiagarajar Polytechnic College was identified as the Best Polytechnic College in Tamil Nadu in 2010. It was their conjoint efforts, value for education and dedication towards their beliefs which led Sona College to be acclaimed as the Best Engineering College at the national level for outstanding overall
achievements by ISTE in 2011.
Sona College of Technology provides opportunities to “S students and staff alike to come up with innovative ideas and always supports their new and challenging ventures.” Perception of Need
dreams he went ahead and developed the polytechnic to become one of
India’s vast and rapid growth in terms of need for good education, even
the best institutes in India. The valuable and successful experience that
in the rural areas was perceived amongst the students of Thiagarajar
he thus gained in technical education instilled in him a desire to
Polytechnic College. They hailed primarily from rural areas and therefore
establish a new institution to an excellent standing, in a much shorter
there was a significant need to meet the unique challenges of grooming
time than ever before.
them in to engineers who could meet the challenging needs of the
The new Sona College thus addresses the need for catering to the higher level technical education of the region.
society. Mr. Dhirajlal Amarchand Gandhi’s first assignment was in Thiagarajar Polytechnic
College
which
had
been
established
by
Mr.
Research has revealed that Indian and Chinese students contribute
decades later, when the polytechnic had attained a glorious reputation
greater hours to studying as compared to their US counterparts; and yet
as an institution par excellence, the need for advanced technical
there has been an utter dearth of great innovators like Bill Gates or Steve
education was strongly felt, and the management decided to start an
Jobs in these parts. The blame lies on the educational systems as they
engineering institution in 1997. And this led to the birth of “Sona College
have not allowed students to think on their own.
of Technology”. The credit for this goes to the tireless work done by the present
Chairman
Mr.
C.Valliappa,
and
his
late
father
Sri.M.S.Chockalingam who was the Founder-Chairman.
Also, there must be equal and ample opportunities for all people to educate themselves in a wide range of fields like engineering, technology, music, liberal arts, medicine, etc. These subjects must be
Mr. A. Dhirajlal was nominated as Secretary of the college. Mr.
available at different levels, e.g. if we choose engineering, we could get
Dhirajlal Amarchand Gandhi’s long experience in technical education
different grades of engineers from the simple technician to the designer
for nearly four decades at Thiagarajar helped him contribute
of complex structures.
significantly to the successful growth of the college, introducing every
Hence, there is a palpable need to develop our education system to
possible innovation and new approach with utmost support from the
have a highly flexible curriculum where students will have the freedom
Chairman Mr.C.Valliappa.
to make individual choices with regard to range of subjects offered, pace
Moreover, Mr. Dhirajlal Amarchand Gandhi had attained higher education in the UK. This helped him realize the best education
56-57
Well Informed Decision
M.S.Chockalingam, a leading industrialist and philanthropist. Several
of study, mode of study (e.g. formal instruction, part-time study, online courses, web-based education, etc).
practices that could make significant impact in the Indian scenario.
Thus an effective education should boast a place wherein students can
Wishing to impart the same fruitful education in India, convinced by his
study any course, at any place and at any time, irrespective of age or any
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other
Key Features
restrictions,
with
a
proper
system to evaluate the knowledge and
have
competencies
commendable feats that may not be
attained
by
any
seen
individual.
Simplified systems to follow Enjoyable and enlightening work environment
accomplished elsewhere.
unique
Some
of
and these
accomplishments are getting the Best
Accessebility of Education
Engineering Design Award at the
The dream which was seen had found
national level for a race car designed
Freedom to experiment any innovative idea for the betterment of the student community
its foundation about 50 years ago.
by the students, a project sponsored
Thiagarajar Polytechnic College and
fully by the college; the successful
Motivating management
Sona
are
development by a faculty research
situated in the same campus located in
team of a special, customized DC
the heart of Salem city. In 1958, this
motor for an ISRO satellite, that has
area was considered as being on the
been and continues to be in orbit for
outskirts of the city. Today, the Salem
the
railway station and Salem bus stand
achievements of the latter type cannot
are situated just about 1-2½ km away
be found even at the national-level
from the college respectively, which
institutions of repute.
Innovation in teaching-learning processes and in administration
has
College
made
accessible
Achievements and Accolades Sona College of Technology Ranked 12th among Top Engineering institution in India by The Sunday Indian 2012 Ranked 8th among Top Private Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu by The Week , 2012 Received ISTE’s Best Engineering College Award Collaboration with Syracuse University, ranked 67th Among top 100 Universities in the USA offering MS (Computer Engineering) Programme Thiagarajar Polytechnic College Silver Jubilee Celebrations presided by Shri R.Venkatraman, the Former Vice-President of India Golden Jubilee Celebrations presided by Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam, the Former President of India Awarded as Best Polytechnic in the State in 2010
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
of
the to
prospective
58-59
Consequently, the students and staff
Technology
months!
Such
At Sona, the need for staff to have an
and
enjoyable work-life balance is much
teachers,
respected. This is achieved through the
present
alumni,
18
easily
colleges its
last
professors and other staff members.
concept of flexi-time. Staff-members
In addition to its location, this world-
who have left Sona for any reason
class infrastructure also boasts an
have always come back to it as they
enviable
Well-equipped
“could not find a better place to work”.
labs, spacious and airy classrooms and
Here students are considered to be
Wi-Fi connections across the campus
the future of the country. They are
make it highly conducive to learning.
involved in industry related projects
The total land area is 44.5 acres with a
whereby they spend about six to eight
built up area of 70,000 sq. mt.
weeks in the industry exploring new
ambience.
ideas and gaining hands on experience.
Creating the Niche
Also students displaying an enquiring
Nothing is done with the sole intention
mind are involved with the faculty in
of standing out in a crowd! However,
pursuit of research work at higher level.
whatever you do must be different
This opportunity hones their analytical
from the traditional and it should be
skills and prepares them for problem
very effective.
solving in industry or elsewhere.
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Education transforms the person to bring out the best in him and ensures that his entire potential is of use to the Society. C. Valliappa
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DR. B. S. SATYANARAYANA Head, RVCE
Education for All DR. BUKINAKERE SUBBAKRISHNIAH SATYANARAYANA, the Principal
name itself conveyed the dedication to the nation, as R.V. stands for
of Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE) feels that
Rashtreeya Vidyalaya, and not based on the name of any of the trustees.
education has always been valued in India since the age of Vedas and
Mr. Sharma was much inspired by Shri Madan Mohan Malavaiya’s
holds the key to opportunities in the 21st century and salvation or
efforts at Banaras, as also by Rabindranath Tagore and Swami
redemption from poverty and inequality. He feels that even as India is
Shradhananda and his visit to the institutions established by them,
trying to transform itself into an industrialized and developed nation
namely Shantiniketan and Kangadi Gurukula respectively.
through its planned economy process, inspired by the vision of our
Prof. B. S. Satyanarayana observes that the Indian education system,
former President Dr. Abdul Kalam’s “Vision 2020 — India a developed
in spite of multiple recommendations by the academic reform
nation”, the educational system has not been effectively facilitated to
committees from Dr. Radhakrishnan committee in 1960s, to the more
cope with the changes by our planners. Bangalore has emerged as an
recent NKC and Yashpal committee reports, on transformation of Indian
industrial, innovative and entrepreneurial hub. Yet, the number of
Higher education, has failed to give greater autonomy for good
trained and qualified engineers are few. Perceiving this need, even in the
institutions, to help proactively transform into international class
first decade after independence, the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust
institutions. Rather in the name of enabling quality, more compliance
(RSST), a not-for-profit trust initiated by Shri Shivanda Sharma, a
strictures are enforced, with ambiguous norms, leading to more
freedom fighter, Sanskrit scholar and a teacher, along with Sri Meda
opportunity for meddling by compliance agencies and disruption of
Kasturi Ranga Shetty,
functioning by honest institutions. The problems are further aggravated
started the Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of
Engineering (RVCE), with a vision to provide more opportunities for
by
students to take up engineering, as also facilitate the industrialization in
understanding of the actual ground reality and a myopic view on
Karnataka. The vision of the founders can be appreciated by the very
facilitating private education in the country.
fact that even when they started the R V Institutions in the 1940s, the
60-61
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
unimaginative
leadership
in
higher
education,
with
poor
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o facilitate any meaningful growth of education in the country, the first change that needs to be brought about is provide greater or full autonomy to educational institutions. To ensure that the quality of education is not compromised upon, the number of subjects should be reduced or the 200-credit engineering programme should be reduced to 130 to 150 credits as in premier institutions such as Stanford, Princeton or the MIT. Learning the basics of a subject should be emphasized upon. To enhance the capability of the engineer, to be
employable or even become innovative or entrepreneurial one should make engineering education more experiential, with a greater exposure to interdisciplinary learning. The entry procedure should be such that any interested student should get an admission. But the assessment procedure should be strict, to ensure quality of output, so that students who ultimately emerge as alumni of the institution are well qualified. Another factor which can be taken into consideration is that all the local industries, work with the local academic institutions mandatorily as part of the CSR and also leverage the same for R&D requirements. Having perceived such requirements Dr. B. S. Satyanarayana, has initiated the same at RVCE over the last 4 years.
RV institutions have always been defined in terms of “R affordability, quality, wholesome education in a disciplined environment with due compliance and a focus on all-round excellence and service to the society.”
62-63
RVCE — The Journey
programmes. The baccalaureate courses are available as the Bachelors
RVCE was started in 1963 with 3 programmes in civil, mechanical and
in Engineering, which as courses range from Mechanical to Information
electrical engineering and with a mere strength of 100 to 120 students.
Science and Bio-Technology to Computer Science. Also the much
The institution with its vision of quality education,
focused on
sought after Bachelors in Architecture is available here. Further, Masters
affordability, discipline, all-round personality development and service
Programmes in both Technological as well as Architectural subjects,
to the society, has led to RVCE today to facilitate more than 5,600
opportune students to strengthen their knowledge. The college then
students, including PhD scholars. Located on the Bangalore-Mysore
facilitates research through its MS (Research) and PhD programmes in
Highway, about 8 miles from the city’s centre, it is well accessed both by
all departments. It is rather interesting to note that the institute today
rail and air. The 52 acres of land on which the institution is spread uses
has risen to the top position and is the institute of first choice among
only 90,000 sq.mt. as the built up area. This leaves ample space of
both students and employers, for the past twenty years. Having provided
25,000 sq.mt. as playground and 25,000 sq.mt of hostel area, a 6-bed
its students with nearly 100% placement, it has also been featured by
hospital, with a minor OT & an isolation ward, a huge food court and
Outlook magazine in the last three years as the best college in the
room for large green coverage. Soon the college will also have a Metro
country in terms of Return on Investment for a student.
station in the campus compound. The college which is celebrating its
The World Bank supported TEQIP grants also deem it as a top
golden jubilee this year, in line with its vision, has set a mission to be
institution in the country in terms of Master programmes and Research
sustainable and self-reliant in terms of water, energy and waste
among engineering colleges,
management. In this direction the college already annually harvests
number of GATE scholarships in the country. More than 25 multinational
close to 9.5 million litres of
and the college holds the maximum
rainwater, the Sewage Treatment Plant
companies have set up labs here and a large number of funded research
(STP) enables reuse of 2.5 lakh litres, and two reverse osmosis plants
projects from public agencies are also under way, with on going
provides drinking water, which make the campus self-sufficient. The
activities in research and industry-academic collaboration adding to
institution presently offers 12 Under Graduate and 23 Master
over Rs. 50 crores. This is ahead of more than 95% of the universities in
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the country in terms of research and
Key Features
The Future —Yet Unrevealed
boasts being No. 1 in sports under
If the founder Sri. Shivanada Sharma
A professional organization, run by a not-for-profit trust which does not draw any salary or dividend from these institutes
VTU even this year (2013). The
had a broader vision of quality
alumni
are
education for all, the President of the
entrepreneurs and top managers
trust Dr.Panduranga Shetty and his
Institution’s vision of “Leadership In Quality Technical Education, Research & Innovation Through Teamwork, With A Focus On Sustainable And Inclusive Technology” is its primary focus
both in the public and private
team (all elected once in three years)
sectors. It was the first institute in
have kept the vision alive and given
India to provide platforms like the
appropriate direction with changing
race
times to enable the institutes to grow
Outstanding performance by its alumni in fields as varied as academics, extracurricular activities and social causes Transparent functioning based on processes and compliance to all laws of the land, in spite of difficulty and consistency and continuity in the leadership, policy making and decisions over the last 50 years Top ranked students from state and national selection process join RVCE from a pool of over 2 lakh students
Achievements and Accolades RVCE selected for Grants for a first of its kind Centre of Excellence in “Macroelectronics” or Large area and flexible Microelectronics in 2013, by World Bank supported TEQIP program of MHRD, GoI. Price Water Cooper (PWC) - CII - AICTE recognised RVCE as among the top 6 in the country for Industry Academic Collaboration (25 company based labs and 35 courses jointly offered with industries).
of
car
the
college
development,
hybrid
vehicle development, Autonomous
as
or Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV)
Prof.Satyanarayana as the head of
development and India’s first Pico
the institute has set a revised vision
satellite development opportunity
to transform the institute into a full-
to Bachelors students.
fledged
a
leader
in
Karnataka.
academic and research
institution, ready to take up the
Challenges
challenge
Although the college has established
economy,
itself well today, initially there were
research, innovation and industry
no well-defined guidelines, nor
academic interaction. The initiatives
models to follow, especially for a
taken by the management, the
private, self-financed institution.
principal, faculty and the efforts of
Funds too posed to be a problem.
the students at RVCE, through
Many
of
the
knowledge
through
enhanced
contributed
engineering education, research and
whatever they could in cost and kind
entrepreneurship, shall surely in the
to the building of the institution and
next ten years, see it among the top
even to pay the faculty. At times they
100 engineering schools in the
even had to pledge their own gold.
world. Also RVCE wants more
As people preferred government
students from the college to become
trustees
had
employment, getting faculty for a
entrepreneurs, developing cutting
RVCE was a part of the team that launched India’s First Pico Satellite
private college proved to be an
edge, disruptive, but socially relevant
expensive proposition.
technologies. RVCE also aspires to
The “Best Innovative Spirit Award” at CII Innovation Conference, March 2012
The college has today reasonably
The “Best Engineering College” in Higher Education and Research in South India and felicitated by VIT University, Vellore in 2013 “No 1 College in Sports” under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Karnataka, The “Best Engineering College” in Higher Education and Research in Karnataka in the area of Nanotechnology, Sensors and Small Satellites, and felicitated by Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU),Karnataka, CANUES (USA - Canada), and NDRF (India) 2013.
64-65
industry interaction. The college
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
overcome some of these challenges.
be
a
role
model
institutions to emulate.
for
private
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Education for us stands for complete development of potential and value systems of students so that they can contribute significantly in their profession and development of our nation. Dr. B. S. Satyanarayana
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ASHOK KUMAR PANSARI President, Gyan Sagar Foundation & Chairman, Royal Group of Institutions
ANIL KUMAR MODI Secretary, Gyan Sagar Foundation & Vice-Chairman, Royal Group of Institutions
A School for All-round Excellence ASHOK KUMAR PANSARI, the founder of Royal Group of Institutions
The next step was RGI. In this regard, he observes, “After that I
(RGI) feels that true character is the mould in which one casts one’s life.
realized the need of establishing an educational institute that would
“Education is the process which leads to the manifestation of
give the North East a world-class technical institution and spread the
harmonious and progressive development of all the innate qualities and
educational process of students from this region across the globe. Royal
skills possessed by human beings,” he says and further declares that RGI
Group of Institutions is the result of that vision. Royal Global School, a
makes the moulds for the students to do the rest.
senior secondary school, is that latest venture,” explains Pansari. Other
There was a time, Mr Pansari continues, when students from the
business ventures are The Royal Estate Builders Pvt. Ltd. (a leading Real
North East had to go out of the region for higher studies in management,
Estate Developer in NE), Purvoday Publications Pvt. Ltd. (publishers of
engineering, architecture and other courses. RGI has provided the
leading Hindi daily Dainik Purvoday).
people of NE the quality education in the region and, has, thus set the trend of NE students pursuing higher studies in the region itself.
66-67
Mr Pansari’s vision is shared by his business partner, Anil Kumar Modi. Closely associated in all the business ventures with Sri A. K.
A CA, LLB with an exemplary track record, Mr Pansari, was born in
Pansari, he is a practicing Chartered Accountant and a partner of Modi
Nagaon district, Assam in 1964. He started his career in accounting as a
Pansari& Co., Guwahati. A multifaceted dynamic personality with an
partner of Modi Pansari & Co., Guwahati (a leading Chartered
amiable disposition, clarity of thoughts and great enterprising spirit, Mr
Accountant firm). His own academic background and experience
Modi serves as a role model for many. He belongs to that rare class who
convinced him that only quality education could impart perfect
achieved success through sheer dedication, commitment to a set of
knowledge, so he and a few established industrialists of the region,
ideologies and firm confidence on the importance of togetherness.
started a branch of the renowned Delhi Public School at Guwahati in
Along with Mr. Pansari, Royal Global School, a world class day cum
2003.
boarding senior secondary school, is his latest venture..
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ducation is the key to development and prosperity, and recent globalized trends which has witnessed a sea change in the knowledge sector necessitated changes in India’s education system. Subsequently, institutions of excellence were created in selected regions of the country. However, North-East India did not see such encouraging changes. “There was an absence of proper infrastructure and adequate support system, with scanty institutions offering technical education,” stated Ashok Kumar Pansari, a leading entrepreneur of the region. And it
was with the idea of providing quality education which aims at bringing in "wholesome changes in the personality of every student," that he set up the Royal Group of Institutions (RGI) in Guwahati in 2009. In order to establish RGI, Mr Pansari left no stone unturned, from raising funds through bank loans, corpus funds, donations and self-investments
to advertising and marketing campaigns: from writing blogs related to education, industry and relating them to Royal Group of Institutions, emailing marketing-mailing ads and information, Google ad words-running paid words on Google, to advertisements in newspapers and popular in-flight magazines, hoardings, participation in edu-fairs, marketing on social media sites, etc, he has done it all. Admitting that raising funds, gaining public acceptance and trust to getting quality faculty members and students in the various courses offered, to responding to the growing demand of the parents and the students, has been a challenge but RGI has grown from 316 students in 2009 to 2,079 students today. In this context, he comments,"RGI is dedicated towards a combination of commitment and the state-of-art technology. We have created and promoted a dynamic institution to keep pace with the demands of the modern world.
RGI is a combination of commitment and state-of-the-art “R technology. As a centre of excellence in management and technical education, RGI is designed as a dynamic institution to keep pace with the demand of the modern world.”
nd
Infrastructure and Campus
journals, conference,seminar and lecture halls, classrooms with audio
Well connected to the city, RGI is located at Betkuchi in Guwahati,
visual gadgets are some of the major infrastructural features of RGI. It
Assam. It is just 1.4km away from ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal),
also offers recreation centre with gym and sports facilities. Day scholars
13.8km from the railway station and 21.6km from the airport. A world-
and hostellers can also avail of the various other facilities offered at the
class institution, the 20-acre RGI is a combination of commitment and
Student Support Centre and make use of the Information Kiosks and
state-of-the-art technology. Managed by the GyanSagar Foundation, RGI
ATM. RGI also has its own Placement Cell and Career Development
started with Engineering and Business Schools, and now offers
Centre which focus on various activities such as career counseling,
Architecture and Commerce as well. The courses offered by the Royal
industry interface and placement assistance.
School of Business (RSB), Royal School of Commerce (RSC), Royal School of Architecture (RSA), Royal School of Engineering & Technology
Initiatives and Efforts
(RSET) are all approved/affiliated by/to the All India Council for
However, what differentiates RGI from its competitors is the teaching
Technical Education (AICTE) or Council of Architecture (COA), Assam
pedagogy.
Science & Technology University (ASTU), Gauhati University, as the case may be.
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“In this age of tough competition, we try to make our students more confident,” states Pansari. To ensure this, RGI focuses on various
A state-of-the-art computer centre with high-speed Internet
personality development programmes and co-curricular activities
&LAN/WAN connectivity; centrally air-conditioned Wi-Fi campus, a
including field trips, industrial visits, training programmes, etc, and global
well-stocked, hi-tech digital library with research-oriented journals &e-
exposure in the form of international tours. Communication lab training,
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Key Features
which is a regular feature in all RGI
Khera,
courses,
additions to the benefit of the students.
helps
build
the
students’
Goswami
are
value
communication skills, interpersonal skills
Ensuring and running an educational
First integrated campus in India with multi discipline and with world-class infrastructure and facilities
and their ability to work as part of a team.
institution is not easy, and effective
Direct interactions with various dignitaries
leadership is a key element in the success
and novelties across the globe are also a
of a group. A participative style of
Direct interactions with various dignitaries and novelties across the globe
feature at RGI. To acknowledge this, he
leadership is followed at RGI, says
concludes saying that, "Students also
Pansari,
Focus on various Personality Development Programmes (PDP) & co-curricular activities including field trips, industrial visits, training programmes etc. and with a global exposure in the form of International tour
interact
consultation with the employees, which
Highly experienced and qualified faculty with a teacher: student ratio of 1:15 RGI has its own Placement Cell and Career Development Centre which focuses on various activities such as Personality Development, Career Counseling, Industry Interface and Placement assistance
Achievements and Accolades Winners of Autonomous Robotic event of Euphuism 2011 organized by GIMT, Guwahati Adjudged “Best Manager” in the Amity University youth festival held during 9th to 11th February,2012 Secured 2nd position in the event “EthnoQuest” in the Amity University youth festival held between 9th and 11th February, 2012
and
build
relations
with
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“Decisions the
are
organization
taken and
in
corporates. Interactions of the students
enables
with the stalwarts from industry and the
members to remain more committed to
academia form a part of RGI's culture."
its
the goals.” And it is these frequent
For enhancement of the teaching-
interactions, he emphasizes, between the
learning process, a team of experienced
employees and the management that
faculty members from elite institutions of
help
the country regularly interact and guide
confidence which is very essential for the
the students.
success of any organization.
in
building
mutual
trust
and
Fests are also a part of the RGI culture.
Mr Pansari dreams of making RGI “a
First held in 2010, its annual techno-
respected, world-class and sought after
management
premier knowledge park, creating and
and
cultural
fest,
CONSENSIO, spread over a span of 3
disseminating
days, has been celebrated since then
teaching, research and industry interface
every year, with huge participation from
along with instilling values, ethics and
other colleges.
respect for others in a meaningful &
Mr Pansari is confident that RGI has
knowledge
through
sustainable manner.”
several USPs too. Its infrastructure,
Plans are afoot to launch the Royal
integrated campus, young and dynamic
Global University says Mr A K Pansari,
faculty from elite institutes as well as
Chairman, RGI. The University will not
senior, retired and experienced people as
only offer various industry oriented
resource (including Deans, Principal,
courses but also develop curriculum in
HODs, etc.), set it apart. He further adds
such a way so as to facilitate students to
that regular interactions with resources
be market ready as “The job world
from industry, academia and eminent
requires more skill-based training &
personalities like APJ Abdul Kalam,
industry-oriented curriculum.”
Nirupam Bajpai, Chetan Bhagat, Shiv
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Arnab
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Education transforms the person to bring out the best in him and ensures that his entire potential is of use to the Society. Ashok Kumar Pansari
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DR. R. S. K. LAKSSHMANA PRABHU Chairman, PSNA
The Change-agent with a mission DR. R. S. K. LAKSSHMANA PRABHU, a man of great academic
social responsibility; wherein the sole and whole aim was to find a place
qualification and merit, is the Director of the
PSNA College of
in the job market and hold onto it till retirement beckoned. Dr. Prabhu
Engineering and Technology, Dindigul; and over a span of 25 years has
differed from the set ideas of contemporary education and meant it to
taken the Institute to laudatory heights. Having done his Ph.D. in Public
become an empowering process to help children to develop their
Administration, Dr. Prabhu has spent considerable time in academic
passions, critical thinking, compassion and value orientation. In other
circles as well as in industrial quarters and has garnered enough
words, Dr. Prabhu saw education as a method to cultivate the self, the
experience and understanding about the inevitable link between
effects of which encompass generations and extend to posterity; and
education and an all-round growth, mainly cultural growth that often
this is what he has been striving for during his tenure as Director of
sustains the society.
PSNACET. He has played a very major and vital role in organizing and
Dr. Prabhu’s efforts were born out of a keen sense of observation of the current pattern the education system followed wherein individuals were being churned out like machines, minus any deep-seated values of
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conducting a series of programmes that has helped PSNA to grow in leaps and bounds.
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he impetus and motivation to venture into the field of education was provided by Thiru.R.S. Kothandaraman, Dr. Prabhu’s father. He was a great visionary who nurtured an ambition of starting an educational institution mainly for the rural inhabitants of Dindigul so that the spiralling benefits of education would not bypass them. So when an opportunity came, he immediately responded to it by starting an
engineering college for the benefit of the rural inhabitants. Post his Father’s retirement, the mantle of taking the institution forward fell on the shoulders of young Dr. Prabhu who decided to facilitate the tertiary network so that mainstream education could gain a fillip and provide the job market with dynamic, well-informed people at the global level. It was one among the nine self-supporting colleges which were started in the first phase of privatization of higher education in Tamil Nadu. At some level, there was a degree of social responsibility in Dr Prabhu’s efforts because PSNACET opened up opportunities for the socially and the economically challenged sections in Dindigul and nearby districts. At a very intensive level, it addressed the poor infrastructure in rural education, access difficulties, lack of financial support and poor quality of educators in the backward areas. At a broader level, the Institution is committed to produce quality engineering and management graduates who are socially conscious and globally responsible citizens.
PSNA aims to achieve academic excellence by “P imparting knowledge and skills through problem solving, practical training and development of innovative projects.”
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Leading Insights
is where the focus lies. Personal attention is provided to the students
What started out as a small initiative with only 180 students has
and extra help is offered to students who need it. The teachers bring the
expanded to over 4,762 students. This success has largely been due to
real world in to the class room through their teaching. Value-added
strong leadership, a clear goal that seeked to disseminate information at
programmes, placement training programmes, a system of continued
the bottom layers, a safe and orderly academic climate that facilitated
guest lectures, in-plant training opportunities, internships, industrial
inclusive growth, a stringent monitoring process of all stake holders of
visits and Research and Development exposure ensure that students get
the Institution and regular revamping of the curriculum. At present,
an exposure to all aspects of technical education.
PSNACET offers degree and post graduation degree courses in
Naturally, the accolades have been plentiful. The Institute has achieved
Engineering and Technology, as well as a Master’s Degree in
a high placement record consistently over the years in companies like
Management studies and Computer Applications.
TCS, HCL, Wipro, DELL, GE Healthcare, HP, CTS, Philips Medicals,
The Institute is located on a sprawling campus on the outskirts of
SIEMENS and iNautix regularly. The Institute provides world-class
Dindigul town. It is 8 kms away from Dindigul on Dindigul-Palani
engineering education to individuals to become technologically superior,
Highway, and has exclusive department buildings and a huge sports field
socially conscious and globally responsible citizens for the welfare of
which talks about its commitment to nurture the students in a
mankind. Some of the main aims of this institute is to achieve academic
wholesome way. The faculty comprises members who belive in social
excellence by imparting knowledge and skills through problem solving,
responsibility and are visionaries and educators in their own individual
practical training and design & development of innovative projects; to
right. Each of them has earned a place in the teaching rolls. The
develop leadership and inter-disciplinary team skills through effective
laboratories are well equipped and students have little to complain
communication training and inculcating ethical behaviour, and to carry
about. Providing quality education is the motto of this Institute and this
out applied research in Engineering & Technology and facilitate life-long
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learning. At present with an ever
prestigious
expanding academic and sports
status, gaining an autonomous
infrastructure, the Institute sets to
status and becoming one of the top
Fine blending of youth and experience among the faculty members
establish itself as a leader not only
10 technical institutions in the
in the domestic market but also in
country.
Student-centred attitude with emphasis on core values
the international arena. However,
Key Features
Mentoring Programme in which internal mentors liaise between the institution and the parents Empowered and involved Faculty Teamwork amongst the Faculty
Recipient of the coveted The Times of India Edupreneur 2013 Award from His Excellency Dr K Rosaiah, governor of Tamil Nadu
Recipient of National Level Best Engineering College Award from ISTE New Delhi in 2007
Second Topper in Tamil Nadu State by securing 169 university ranks and 09 gold medals in Anna University 2012 examinations. Recipient of Green Campus Award from Dindigul District Collector Ranked 8th at National Level and 4th at State Level in a National level survey jointly conducted by AICTE and CII to identify engineering colleges who are the best performers in collaborating with industries in terms of governance, curricula, placement, faculty and infrastructure
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Accord
the cutting edge comes from the
Setting Goals
leadership. The Chairperson who is
Inspite of the many awards and
in charge of the Administrative
accolades, this is one institute that
Wing; the Principal who heads the
refuses to settle into the warm
Academic Wing, the Registrar who
depth of complacency. It wishes to
looks after Admissions and Student
gain an autonomus status so that it
Affairs, the Administrative Officer
can operate autonomously and
who looks after the Establishment
bring in the necessary changes
Section and Stationery needs and
especially in the curriculum so that
the Senior Finance Manager who
student
looks
and
remain restricted only to books.
Accounts form the bulwark of the
Rather it wants and tries to make
Institute. Together they hold the
students
Institute together and provide fresh
knowledge to real-life situations
impetus to the Institute to reach for
and adapt fast and furious.
after
the
Finance
the zenith namely earning the
Achievements and Accolades
Washington
knowledge
able
to
does
apply
not
their
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Education should be an empowering process that allows and guides children to develop their passions, critical thinking, compassion, and orientation towards wisdom for timely action. Dr. R. S. K. Laksshmana Prabhu
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SRI L. GOPALAKRISHNAN Managing Trustee, PSG Institutions
Bringing a Social Change, Brick by Brick
80-81
SRI P.S. GOVINDASWAMY NAIDU along with his family collectively saw
Sri Naidu’s idea of education was rather simple. He felt that,
a dream. A huge, ambitious dream… one in which every child was in
“Education is beyond literacy and must be able to prepare a student for
school, every meritorious student irrespective of class, caste, religion or
life’s challenges and even successes. It must encompass every little boy
gender forged ahead like a mountain brook and got a chance to
and girl and no one should be left outside its ambit.” A sound education,
compete with the best in the world with each step. A dream in which
according to Sri Naidu is also one that measures upto the standards of
India continued to rule and dominate the world and Indian Institutes
the world and is not so self- contained that it leaves the players isolated.
featured in the Global Top 100 list! Others might have brushed aside
Sri Naidu’s foray into education was largely due to his own rise from
such impossibilities under the carpet with a shrug and a dismissal of the
humble beginings and he wished to see the same happen to many more.
hand, but not Dr. Govindaswamy Naidu. His four sons had a similar
He wanted to make individuals empowered and able and thus put his
outlook and firmly believed in using their wealth for the upliftment of
wealth, heart and soul into where it mattered. This ideology is apparent
society. They set up the PSG & Sons Charities, and 85 years later, the
when one sees that the Trust backs not just Technical and Management
PSG
education
Institutes, but also kindergarten. As they say, ‘Catch them young’. PSG
to over 30,000 students. A vague dream finally turned into a
Trust exemplifies this phrase and initiate interventions that affect not
powerful reality.
only individual lives, but also improve the social fabric.
Trust
provides
comprehensive
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and
in-depth
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he PSG & Sons’ Charities Trust was created in 1926 with the purpose of augmenting and strengthening a village school (The Sarvajana School) which was started earlier when a member of the family was denied admission in a school. Besides, the charity had a far nobler purpose — of empowering youth through education, quite an amazing vision for the essentially agrarian family from Peelamedu. The four PSG brothers — Shri. PSG Venkataswamy Naidu, Shri. PSG Rangaswamy Naidu, Shri. PSG Ganga Naidu and Shri. PSG Narayanaswamy
Naidu — willingly and voluntarily divided their inherited ancestral properties into five parts, reserving the one fifth portion to create a charity to run the school, which also became their fifth sibling. The Fifth Brother was created by the four to promote education at all levels without any reservation on the basis of sex, caste and creed; develop technical education to empower the youth; create corpus for donations and charities for the poor and deprived sections of the society. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, one of India’s premier visionaries, who had set up Shantiniketan visited Sarvajana School, the first education initiative of the Trust and sang Jana Gana Mana with the students here.
The PSG Trust is one of India’s oldest charitable “T organizations dedicated towards empowerment and social change through education. It has created over 26 educational institutions of academic excellence ranging from Kindergarten to Doctoral Studies across Arts & Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Medical, Management and more.”
82-83
Cutting Edge
PSG College of Technology, PSG Institute of Management and PSG
The PSG Trust was set up with an initial capital of 2 lakhs. Over the years
Institute of Medical Sciences and Research based at Peelamedu in
the challenges have intensified. Keeping afloat in the midst of such
Coimbatore.
intense competition in the education sector where funding is often a
In a world of cut-throat competition, PSG Institutions are one of their
problem and where quality is often compromised at the altar of
kind because they do not compete with other educational institutions.
commercialization, The PSG Trust has consistently beaten back the
Rather they believe in co-opting and making inroads into this field. This
challenges, guided by the same set of visions and principles that were
explains the numerous international and national collaborations making
established by the founding fathers. Since its inception in 1926, the Trust
it one of the best bets for students who wish to get an idea of global
has created over 26 educational institutions of academic excellence
markers. Since it is one of the oldest Institutions in the country, it
ranging from kindergarten to doctoral Studies across Arts & Sciences,
inevitably brings experience to the running of the institutions under it. It
Engineering & Technology, Medical and Management. It has remained a
recruits some of the best educators in the country and, due to an
center of excellence and has several global and national collaborations
excellent interface with various industries, has a vibrant placement cell.
to its credit. The flagship institution PSG College of Technology is an
All this makes PSG Institutions worth the praise, awards and accolades.
autonomous institution under UGC and recently completed its Diamond
Not one to silently rest on their laurels, each Institution is into constant
Jubilee. Other institutions are located across Coimbatore, with the main
innovation making them dynamic entities.
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rigors,
and they give students a host of
students also get a good grounding
opportunities to garner life skills.
in communication, lateral thinking
Kriya, their annual festival provides
and practical training. Simulation
a stage for students to discover
exercises make them ready for the
other facets to themselves. The
real world. Students from PSG
Trust relies on the exemplary
Institutes usually have an innate
leadership
advantage
Apart
Key Features Comprehensive education opportunities Core competency in technology, medicine and management education through research, academic collaborations and teaching excellence Certified quality assessment from leading national and international bodies The power of the PSG brand The distinguished alumni
from
academic
mark in the field of education. The
and urged to come up with creative
faculty
problems that have an element of
keeping in mind the goal and
practicality to it.
philosophy of the Trust. A huge
because
they
are
chosen
and
the curriculum, teaching methods,
entrepreneurial network, they have
amenities available to student etc.
attracted the best talents, both
making the entire pattern very
educators and students.
These
contemporary. Finally, what sets it
excellent
apart is their willingness to work
industry-academia interface. With
closely with each other as well with
a vibrant team headed by the
other players, both in the academic
Director
the
circle and industry to make the
Institutes have turned into centers
entire set up fall together as a
of excellence. Some of the faculty
seamless whole. Giving back to the
have bagged awards for their
society, especially bringing in the
contributions.
marginalized into the central space
industrial
have
and
strengths
an
the
Dean,
education
and
social
The Verdict
development is what the founder
The PSG Trust has been doing
members believed in. This legacy
0ver 1000 CEOs of leading companies
some remarkable work in the field
stays and continues to weave the
10,000+ entrepreneurs of national and global stature in technology and many award winning innovators
of
success stories of each institution
Leading scientists for national projects in defense, aerospace and technology Several political leaders including ministers Internationally-acknowledged academics and deans in leading universities in the Americas. Our Padma Sri awardees include Narain Karthikeyan and Rajshree Pathy from the PSG family and distinguished alumni Dr.G. Bakthavatsalam, Dr. Gopalaswamy Govindarajan, R.M. Vasagam. Shiv Nadar was awarded Padma Bhushan.
84-85
members
stress in laid on innovation — of
of
125 principals, directors, founders of several leading engineering and management institutes
of
individual institutions to make a
institutes
Eighteen vice-chancellors to universities of national repute
heads
are
city’s
Over the last eight decades, PSG institutions have nurtured and contributed selflessly to society and the nation. They have given:
the
coached in lateral thinking patterns
With an ability to draw on the
Achievements and Accolades
of
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education.
Each
of
their
campuses is the size of universities
under the PSG Trust.
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Education deals with human growth in mind, spirit, character and effective behaviour. Sri L. Gopalakrishnan
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DR. NAGESH RAO President & Director, The Mudra Foundation for Communications Research and Education
Changing the Face of Communication
86-87
THE PURPOSE OF education is to create contributing citizens — each “T
initiated, neither any new learning being added to the industry’s
one using knowledge, expertise and skills to contribute productively to
knowledge pool. Thus was born the idea of MICA.
society, while at the same time, be well-rounded citizens who value the
Times are always changing. Environmental changes are immensely
planet, its people and profit equally,” says Dr. Nagesh Rao, current
important while undertaking any new venture or study. Incorporating
President & Director of MICA.
them in the curriculum is the hallmark of a good management
The Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad, was
institution. At MICA, the curriculum is reviewed every year. This year
established in 1991 by Mudra Foundation for Communications Research
too, a specialization in Digital Communications Management has been
and Education (MFFCRE). This was the time when the Indian advertising
added to the curriculum of the flagship course.
industry was growing rapidly and a shortfall in the supply of trained
Students today have the opportunity to undertake specializations in
talent was felt. Back then there was no school of communication then
Brand Management, Media Management, Advertising Management,
that offered higher education in advertising, no research was being
Marketing Research & Analytics and Digital Communications.
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erely an education in management cannot lead to success. Creativity, innovation and sustainability are also key areas that need to be focused upon. At MICA the students are encouraged to think ‘out-of-the-box’, to communicate creatively and develop their ideas in a manner which respects ecology and environment.
MICA became the first residential institute in the country and possibly in the Asia-Pacific region, to focus on Integrated Marketing Communication.
MICA’s growth has seen it emerge from having less than 50 postgraduate students in advertising to having over 300 students currently. “MICA’s vision of being a pre-eminent Communications Management is fulfilled through its mission, which is to develop innovative professionals in the practice, development and management of communications to serve the needs of industry and society through research and advocacy.” MICA’s flagship 2-year PGDM in Communications Management is definitely a standout. In addition to it they also have a FPM Programme (equivalent to a Ph.D. in Communications), a 1-year residential programme in Crafting Creative Communications, and online programmes in Advertising & PR, Analytics and Retail Communications. Their emphasis on delivery of current, reliable and cost-effective Communication Management skills is surely a boon for students.
MICA is the first residential institute in the country, and “M perhaps in the entire Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to meeting the integrated marketing communication needs of the industry, government and community.” Meeting Challenges
whereas the Institute was located in Ahmedabad, posed industry
Dr. Nagesh Rao, who holds a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communication, is a
interaction challenges. Second to that was recruitment of faculty who
focused yet transparent and approachable mentor. Under his guidance
were dedicated to the cause. Next was developing a curriculum that met
as the current President & Director, MICA’s team has achieved even
the requirement of the industry.
greater heights including the launch of a series of International Communication Management Conferences (first on “Managing Health
Winning The Battle
Communication”),
introducing MICA Indian Marketing Intelligence
Finally, having overcome multiple obstacles, MICA was set up at Shela
(MIMI), a research-based product that analyses data for sound and
village, near the Sarkhej-Sanand Highway, which is about 15 kms. away
strategic
business decisions, enhancing the Crafting Creative
from the city of Ahmedabad. The beautiful bucolic settings of the locale
Communications (CCC) Course to a 1 year duration, publishing the
provided the perfect ambience, conducive to an academic environment.
World’s first Case Study on Photo Novels in collaboration with Harvard
Moreover, the desired acreage of land was available and it was not very
Business School, etc.
far from the bustling city of Ahmedabad. A perfect blend of academics
MICA was started with an initial investment of Rs. 2 crore, received from Mudra in the form of a donation. It was a tough
88-89
and extra-curricular activities, MICA brings together various facilities
battle, as a
such as a community centre, a yoga centre, a badminton court, a
majority advertising agencies, being multinational at that time, did not
basketball court, a volleyball court, a cricket and a football field, tennis
see a reason to invest in business schools and research centres in India.
courts and a fully-equipped gym- a perfect blend for keeping both mind
Also the fact that major advertising agencies were present in Mumbai
and body fit!
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Although, MICA is situated away
MICA consistently attains 100%
from the city, there is no lack of
campus placements for its students
modernity here. The completely
in
A B-School with Communications at its heart, MICA is India’s premiere communication management institute
WIFI-enabled campus and digital I-
business verticals. MICA is also a
Mac lab with design software such
gender-equal campus, where the
as Adobe Photoshop, 3D studio
male female ratio among students
MICA’s curriculum creates students who focus on multiple bottom-lines, with equal emphasis on financial, human and environmental implications
max, Maya, Adobe Premiere and
is
Illustrator,
Continuously
Key Features
ample
corporates
normally
across
around delivering
50:50. world-
opportunities for students to stay
class benchmarked research and
MICA is the only B-School offering a specialization in Marketing Research & Analytics
abreast of technology. Taking this a
teaching, MICA is forever striving
step ahead, MICA has an online
and passionate about nurturing
MICA is India’s first B-School to offer a specialization in Digital Communications Management, covering New Media
system for student-class scheduling
students. The students too have
and assignment submissions. The
won
entire
institute,
MICA alumni are with some of the best known companies and brands in India and abroad, including leadership positions
Achievements and Accolades
HR
Three MICA students won a national contest organized by UTV Motion Pictures, to design the marketing campaign for movie Barfi. The team created the catch phrase, “Don’t worry, be Barfi” for the movie and were acknowledged by formal credit in the film for the contribution CCC students won 3 out of 7 awards at the Ahmedabad Film Project 2012 for the film ‘Shift Focus’ including ‘Gold film of the year’, ‘Finest use of theme’ and ‘Superlative music score’ CCC students finished a successful project with the District Development Officer, Ahmedabad. The posters designed by the CCC students on social issues will be on the billboards of urban and rural Ahmedabad Since April 1, 2012, several research publications of the MICA faculty have got published
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
and
payroll
is
several both
laurels
for
the
nationally
and
internationally.
computerized. KEIC, MICA's hi-tech library, boasts an enviable collection of
The Next Act
advertising, media, marketing and
With the efforts put in by the
business-related
information,
management and the faculty, this
besides subscriptions to world-
institute is not only the best in its
class database and case studies,
field in the country but is also
including
Harvard
reaching out to the world. Their
Business School. MICA also has a
ambition is that in the next five
dedicated
with
years’ time, when students from all
IRS
over the world think of studying
installations
90-91
provide
leading
those
of
Media of
Lab
TAM
and
software. MICA is the first campus
Communication
in India to have its own community
MICA should be in one of their top
radio station, Micavani, which is
5 choices.
managed by students.
Management,
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We encourage our students to think ‘out of the box’, to communicate creatively and to show a healthy respect and concern for the ecology and environment. Dr. Nagesh Rao
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DR. RAMDAS M. PAI President & Chancellor, Manipal University
Stimulating Excellence DR. RAMDAS M. PAI , President & Chancellor, Manipal University took
USA in 1996. With a long list to his credit he also holds the Golden
the baton of leadership from his father, Dr TMA Pai, a philanthropist at
Peacock Lifetime Achievement Award given to him in 2011. He has been
heart who was fired by the desire to provide health care and other
awarded with numerous Cultural, Civic and Business Awards too such
essential services to the people of Karnataka. A medical graduate of
as the Lions Millennium Award 2001 conferred by Lions District 324-D4,
Karnatak University and a postgraduate in Hospital Administration from
Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Award 2004 in the ‘Services’ category
Temple University, Philadelphia, USA, Dr Ramdas Pai has held several
and the Deccan Herald Avenues HR Excellence Lifetime Achievement
prestigious positions at national level.
Dr. Pai has received several
Award 2005, amidst many others. He received the Padma Bhushan from
business awards during his distinguished career and has been honoured
the President of India Pratibha Patil for his outstanding contribution in
in recognition of his community service. He was presented the Key to
the field of education and healthcare in 2011.
the city of Lama Linda, USA in 1982 and 1991 and the National Professor
The most significant of Dr. Pai’s contributions has been the opening
of General Practice/Family Medicine by IMA College of General
up of Indian society to the virtues of education, in providing to the youth
Practitioners also in the same year. He earned the Dr. B.C. Roy National
avenues to tap their potential and in making available the best of
Award for Community Health Work presented by the President of India
facilities in education and healthcare to all.
in 1993 and the Honorary Doctorate, Milwaukee School of Engineering,
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r. Pai feels that Indian education must be shaped in such a manner that the boys and girls coming out of the educational institutions are imparted knowledge relevant to the changing times in the fields of science and technology. He further adds that earnestness on part of the government to provide high quality educational facilities where they are needed the most will surely lend impetus to this process. Education in India must be so planned that its beneficiaries are equipped with excellent knowledge background to enable them compete
with their counterparts in other advanced countries.
Manipal Institutions aim at excellence by providing all the “M facilities to the students and the faculty. Exchange of students and teachers at international level is encouraged in order to update the standard of education. Research activities are funded either by the Institution or by availing government research grants.” The Initiator
international levels, the institution is able to update the standard of
“I did not plan. I happened to be with my late father and was influenced
education. Even the faculty are encouraged to undertake research which
by him to carry forward his vision and take the institutions he founded
is funded by the institution. The university also avails government
to the next level,” says Dr. Ramdas M. Pai, Manipal University’s President
research grants which further facilitate the purpose of research.
and Chancellor. He may say that his move was unplanned yet Manipal University’s
The Journey
fame tells us the story of Dr. Ramdas M. Pai’s focus, planning and
The initial funds for the institution were raised through donations and,
determination to establish an institute that was quick to gain repute. He
also, parents shared the cost of their ward’s education.
says that “Education is the means to expand and enrich one’s mind to
The greatest challenge that was faced by the institution was the
face the world with confidence and capability.” True to his words, his
government’s lack of response to the institution’s proposals and the
institution, i.e. the Manipal Univeristy, does just that. Through his
unrelenting attitude of the regulatory bodies. As with any initial startup,
dedicated efforts the President of this esteemed institution, has created
it was difficult for Manipal University too to earn instant public
an environment that is conducive not only to gaining knowledge but
recognition.
also provides the ingenuity to apply that knowledge. Mr. Ramdas M. Pai has addressed his concern for the strengthening of
94-95
The Locale
the institutions with scope for expansion, quite well. The institution set
Manipal, today, is a powerhouse of knowledge and a brand name in
up under his able guidance aims at excellence by providing numerous
higher education. The Manipal campus extends over 601 acres. Within
facilities to students and faculty. In addition to this they also keep pace
its premises are various institutes that teach medicine, dentistry,
with development by providing ample opportunities to research and
pharmacy, engineering, nursing, allied health sciences, management,
application. By encouraging exchange of students and teachers at
communication, hotel administration, etc.
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Located atop a hillock near Udupi,
engineering, architecture, nursing,
on the west coast of South India,
allied
Manipal was a barren wasteland,
management,
a plateau with wild animals. Fired
information
by the desire to provide health
management,
care and other essential services
regenerative medicine etc.
to the people of this region, Dr
university
Encourages exchange of students and teachers at international levels to update the standard of education
TMA Pai transformed the plateau
Masters’ and Doctoral degrees in
into what it now is. He turned the
various specialities.
wilderness into a sanctuary of
With all the experience gained
Encourages research activities by funding the faculty or government research grants
education. In 1953, he set up
from producing several thousands
Kasturba Medical College, the first
of
Educational environment with a touch of world class
private medical college in the
experienced
voluntary sector. And, with that
academic and clinical facilities,
began
Manipal
Key Features Provides the finest in infrastructure and facilities to its students when it comes to learning and research Keeps pace with world developments
Achievements and Accolades
story
of
Manipal
pharmacy,
communication, science,
hotel
biotechnology,
offers
graduates,
Bachelors’,
backed
faculty,
University
The
by
an
excellent boasts
an
University. Then, in 1957 came the
educational environment with a
engineering college, the dental
touch of world class.
college, pharmacy college etc.
Manipal University has branch
Initially, these institutes were
campuses in Bangalore, Malaysia,
affiliated to different universities.
Dubai. There is also a campus in
Then in 1993, MAHE was accorded
Mangalore with a medical college,
a deemed university status under
a dental college and a nursing
Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, by
college with attached teaching
the Ministry of Human Resource
hospitals. Manipal University, also,
Development,
has an international academic
Government
of
An ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001: 2004 certified University
India. Today, it has 22 constituent
collaboration
institutions
programmes in engineering with
Home to many top 10 ranked institutions of India
courses across 14 professional
universities
streams such as medical, dental,
Australia and other countries.
Manipal University has won the prestigious IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Award Awarded the International Asia Pacific Quality Award during 2007-2008
96-97
the
health,
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offering
over
193
for in
the
twinning US,
UK,
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Education is the means to expand and enrich one’s mind to face the world with confidence and capability. Dr. Ramdas M. Pai
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KAMAL MEHTA Chairman, Jodhpur National University
Leadership by Example and Inspiration for All
98-99
KAMAL MEHTA’S great step forward has transformed Jodhpur in
University. Mehta was motivated by his observation that Jodhpur didn’t
Rajasthan into an important destination for education. A qualified
have a technical education institute in the private sector. Keeping that
chartered accountant, he started his own practice in 1983. The year
in mind, he, with the assistance of a team of qualified and dedicated
1998 proved to be a turning point in his career. Remembers Mehta: “I
professionals, toiled hard to acquire academics who helped in the
promoted Vaishali Urban Co-Operative Bank Ltd., one of the best
creation of an appropriately challenging curriculum. Mehta adds,
managed banks in the cooperative sector.” Mehta’s contribution was
“Further, we built a truly world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure for
duly recognized when he was elected the Chairman of Rajasthan Urban
the students which acts as the support for the faculty to ensure high
Banks Federation, Director of National Urban Banks Federation, New
quality education.” “Education,” he says “is the most powerful weapon
Delhi and Director of Rajasthan Financial Corporation, Jaipur.
to change the world. It is a process by which character is formed,
In 2001, Mehta decided to enter the field of education. Seven years of
strength of mind is increased and intellect is sharpened, as a result of
focused attention and application led to the birth of Jodhpur National
which one can stand on one’s own feet.”
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NU started its journey in July, 2002. The beginning was modest, with 240 students getting enrolled in its first year of operations. The university’s present strength is around 5,000 students, which is a reflection of its popularity and demand in such a short time. What gives JNU a distinct edge, according to Mehta, is that it doesn’t have any competitor in the western part of Rajasthan since it is the only university in the private sector. What works in its favour is that it gives timely results, timely placements failing which it gives stipends to the students, gives admission
to a limited number of students, has courses that have been approved by competent councils, has an excellent teacher-student ratio, top quality infrastructure and curriculum, adheres to attendance as per rules, and offers individual care and counseling. When any venture is in its infancy, many challenges must be conquered. Opening a full-fledged first rate institution needed massive expenditure. Mehta shares the story of how this project was financed. “We put our own savings at stake. After that, we approached various banks to help us organize the remaining amount that was initially required.”
“JJodhpur National University integrates education with action-oriented research, group dynamics and customized practice exercises. The University is committed to ‘Readyto-Work’ culture, placement, multi-skilling, influencing practice and promoting value-based growth.” Distinctive Features of the Institute
support make us unique. The university uses case studies and
Setting up the institute implied other challenges as well. The biggest one
presentations along with class lectures to encourage active participation
was getting the right location. Today, Jodhpur National University
of the students in the total learning process.” Academic programmes of
sprawls on more than 30 acres of land in Narnadi, Jhanwar Road. Not
the university are formulated to match the best standards. Courses are
only was this a spacious part of the city, it was also a convenient
periodically reviewed to meet industry requirements and student
location for students coming from Jodhpur City
and from nearby
aspirations. The faculties offering a wide range of courses are Faculty of
industrial area. Another challenge was integrating the industry with the
Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Faculty of
institute. He says, “I had to use all my industry links to ensure that the
Computer Application, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of
institution had the support of the industry and that it was created for the
Applied Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Management and Faculty of
betterment of the industry in the long run.” Professionals and highly-
Education. They are designed to give the students an opportunity to
qualified individuals from the industry who had exposure to subjects
apply their intelligence, creativity and leadership skills to meet the
such as Engineering and Technology, Law, Education, and Management
challenges of the technology-driven world.
needed to be trained to become educators.
100-101
To prepare the future leaders, the management at JNU stresses more
Years after JNU was established, Mehta’s relentless pursuit of his
on practical teaching methods than class room sessions. A student gets
objective has led to the creation of an establishment in which students
a real-world experience while solving case studies, case analysis and
are equipped to deal with the real world that exists beyond classroom-
during other role-play activities. The university also organizes seminars,
based academics. Hear the man himself: “We produce some of the best
industrial visits and educational tours for the students, which not only
human capital in the country. Our teaching aids and technological
enhance their mental faculties but also provide them with a break from
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rigorous
of expertise. Hence, the person has
curriculum. JNU’s top-most priority
to be allowed to work in an
is to improve the personalities of
interference-free environment. He
“India’s
the
Key Features
intensive
and
and
says, “I let them utilize their
enhance their future prospects.
strengths by empowering them to
They want each JNUian to prove
fulfill their responsibilities with
himself/herself
a
authority. Even if mistakes are
successful manager but also as a
made, knee-jerk reactions are not
responsible human being in the
my style. I would rather re-energise
Academic programmes are benchmarked against the best academic and industrial standards
society.
the individual to fix the mistake and
A wide variety of programmes are offered that cover a range of career-oriented qualifications
The Leader and his Dreams
A unique trilogy of students, faculty and learning resources, produces some of the best human capital in the country Case studies, role-plays, presentation along with class lectures encourages active participation of the students in the total learning process
Courseware is periodically reviewed to meet industry requirements and student aspirations The courses are designed to give students an opportunity to apply their intelligence, creativity and leadership skills to the challenges of the technologydriven world
Achievements and Accolades CNBC Emerging India Award, July 2013
future
managers”
as
not
only
move on, with the knowledge that
Minister of Rajasthan Pride India Global Award, March 2011 Best Institution Award in August 2010 by the then Governor of Rajasthan Lions Club International Award, January 2003
102-103
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
The university has been going from strength to strength. However,
JNU has experienced phenomenal
Mehta wants to ensure that all his
growth in slightly more than a
students should get laurels for their
decade. But the man who started it
families and JNU as well. He would
all believes in sharing the credit
like to see JNU continue to prove its
with his colleagues. Talking about
excellence
his leadership style, he says, “I
churning out a slew of young
follow a rather hands-off leadership
professionals
style. Mr Kapil Suri, who is Director
Another of his aspirations is that
of JNU, ably assists me in the overall
the percentage of international
management of the institution and
students should grow from five
its academics. Apart from the two
percent, as it is today, to 15 percent
of us, we have a very young
in the next five years.
management team at JNU, all of them under 35 years.”
Best Institution Award in June 2012 by the then Chief
all the rest of us will back him/her.”
As a leader, he believes that each of his colleagues has his/her area
in for
education the
by
industry.
Mehta wants JNU to become a global institution in future. His willpower and vision will make his dream come true for sure.
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Education is the process by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, and intellect is sharpened, as a result of which one can stand on one’s own feet. Kamal Mehta
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TARANJIT SINGH Managing Director, JIS
Following an Inspiration with a Touch of Class
104-105
MR. TARANJIT SINGH, education entrepreneur, always knew that he
Mr. Singh was aware that private entrepreneurs in India could make a
wanted to do something that would benefit the society at large. It was
mark in a variety of businesses. The domestic market being huge, the
but impossible to predict that one exact moment that can inspire a
presence of the private entrepreneur was visible in industrial
person. A musician can generate an idea for a composition by hearing
manufacturing as well as service sectors such as Core Engineering,
what sounds like noise to others. A writer can see a bullock cart
Information Technology, Healthcare, Generic Pharmaceuticals and
struggling to find a way through a fleet of cars, and get an instant idea
Hospitality. Education, however, offered a different challenge as three key
for a novel. Mr Singh’s moment came when he became aware of the
factors had to be taken into consideration such as longer deal turnaround
education system of India. Says he, “I always thought that there was a
time, assessing the market demand and challenges related to regulation
scope to consolidate the fragmented educational sector and, while
and valuations. While overall opportunities for private entrepreneurs in
looking beyond the traditional education system, one could bring about
the educational sector is very large, every potential entrepreneur should
a change for the better.”
analyse the situations around him before taking that big step forward.
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Page 106
ollowing a thorough assessment, Singh eventually took the plunge. JIS Group Educational Initiatives, his brainchild, commenced operations in 1998. Fifteen years later, its institutes are engaged in imparting teaching and training in technological and techno-commercial domains. Singh defines the philosophy of the Group succintly, “We believe in the synergy of all the education parameters like talented and distinguished intellectual resources, modern technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure, authenticity in affiliations, approvals,
accreditations, administrative and academic autonomy, strategic research and industry collaborations, academic discipline and job opportunities that can give an institution credibility and reputation.” Prior to JIS Group Educational Initiatives, the Group had successful ventures in dairy, iron and steel, logistics and transport and infrastructure. The initial investment for JIS Group Educational Initiatives was partly sourced and channelized from these business units and partly from loans drawn from various banks. Today, its institutions are located in various districts of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The locations have been chosen keeping in mind the objective of catering to the educational needs of the students from these regions and its surrounding locations. Other key reasons for selecting these locations are commutability through rail, metro and roads, availability of land and permissions from the Government. The success of Singh’s initiative can be gauged from statistics alone. 22 institutions and 58 programmes highlight the strength and magnitude of the Group. 21,000 students study in the institutions, which shows how its strength has multiplied manifold since the first year of operation when the collective intake capacity was 240 in four streams.
“JJIS Group Educational Initiatives is engaged in imparting teaching and training in technological, management and techno-commercial domains. The Group aims to prepare the budding professionals to deal with the challenges of tommorrow.“ Obstacles on the Way
research grants from AICTE, UGC and DST. Two of the Colleges have
Every education entrepreneur will tell you how entering this business is
received the World Bank assisted and Ministry of Human Resource
synonymous with the need to overcome various challenges. Mr Singh’s
Development (MHRD) sponsored, TEQIP II Grant. Mr Singh can take pride
experience wasn’t any different. To start with, he had to acquire land for
in the fact that the colleges are accredited by AICTE, affiliated to West
the purpose of establishing colleges as per the specifications of statutory
Bengal University of Technology and recognized by NAAC and NBA. In
bodies like AICTE and Ministry of Higher Education. Obtaining
fact, JIS College of Engineering has also received autonomous status from
permission from the statutory bodies and legal permission from different
the UGC.
government bodies was another important step. Acquisition of talented
Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences & Research and Hospital is
and skilled academic and administrative resources which is most
recognized by the Dental Council of India and affiliated to the West
essential for the successful implementation of a project comprised the list
Bengal University of Health Sciences. Guru Nanak Institute of
of challenges, as did strategizing the teaching-learning methodology for
Pharmaceutical Science and Technology is recognized by Pharmacy
the students and synergizing colleges with industry, infotech and R & D.
Council of India and B Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration course in Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management is approved by National
106-107
Unique Selling Points
Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Ministry of
The institutes which have a wide variety of academic programmes receive
Tourism, Govt. of India.
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state-of-the-art
personality development, interview
infrastructure
has
fitness and soft skills training more
mandatory
colleges
Having
Key Features
which
vigorously
to
ensure
that
the
All colleges receive research grant from AICTE, UGC, DST, while two are also procuring TEQIP II Grant.
aspire to rise above the ordinary.
students
are
The colleges are equipped with
emphasising
and
The colleges are accredited by AICTE, affiliated to West Bengal University of Technology, recognized by NAAC and NBA. One of the Colleges, JIS College of Engineering has also received autonomous status by the UGC. Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences & Research and Hospital is recognized by Dental Council of India and affiliated to West Bengal University of Health Sciences. Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology is recognized by Pharmacy Council of India and B SC in Hospitality and Hotel Administration course in Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management is approved by National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.
such facilities in order to equip the
Research & Development work,
students with a learning edge in the
more access to e-library and e-
contemporary
journal facilities, acquisition of
State-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities are intended to equip the students with a learning edge in the contemporary world of technological advancement
Volkswagen, Wipro, TCS, IBM,
day. How does he define his
National Institute of Technology —
leadership style? He says, “I have
Sikkim and Asian Institute of
always tried to act as a mentor to
Technology, Bangkok (Thailand)
my teammates so that they can be
that
inspired
Achievements and Accolades Mr. Taranjit Singh received Global Awards by Central Bank of India for Excellence in Education, Leadership and Teaching The Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management has received Education Excellence Award 2013 by Indo Italian Company — One Planet Research Consultancy Company Was awarded “Asia’s Most Promising Brand in Educational Sector” validated by consumers and industry and World Consulting and Research Corporation. The process auditors evaluators was KPMG India.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
world
of
job-ready, investing
better
as for enhancing the urge of
resources, and publication of more
inquisitive minds through research
research papers.
and
quality
in
technological advancement as well
intellectual
development-oriented
The Man as the Leader
activities. JIS Group Educational Initiatives
As the Managing Director of a
also has academic and industry
Group whose institutes are spread
collaborations
knowledge
across three states, Mr Singh’s
partners like Microsoft, Oracle,
position demands his attention all
enrich
with
the
students
with
and
enthusiastic
in
significant value additions. Apart
executing their assignments and do
from
have
not hesitate to share their views
introduced the enterprising method
with me. I believe in participative
of Continuous Evaluation System
management system.”
that,
the
colleges
(CES) so that the students can be assessed regularly. As
108-109
for
become
the
Mankind’s
vices
can
be
eliminated, according to him, only
process
of
growth
if its real spiritual virtues —
continues, Mr Singh has set several
generosity,
goals. Among them is bridging the
understanding and freedom — can
gap
between
industry
compassion,
and
be mobilized through education to
academia even further, introducing
bring about a change from within.
latest technologies
This
to enhance
philosophy
guides
him
students’ skills and competencies,
through life as he toils hard to
enhancement of industry-based
establish centres of knowledge that
training methodology, imparting
youngsters can benefit from.
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An educated person is someone who perceives accurately, thinks clearly, and acts effectively on self-selected goals. Taranjit Singh
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HARI MOHAN GUPTA Chairman, Jagran Social Welfare Society Chancellor, Jagran Lakecity University
Quality in Times of Need
112-113
HARI MOHAN GUPTA is one among few who have sought to transform
Any decision to implement new ideas are synonymous with obstacles
the system we live in. Quality education is largely confined to the
that can be conquered only with determination and courage.
academic hubs of the country, an unfair reality which deprives many a
Recollecting his experiences from a not-so-distant past, Mr Gupta says,
good student from receiving accessible education across the country.
“When we had started out in 2000, Bhopal didn’t have a single public
Reflecting on his desire to bring about a social change, Gupta, the
school. So I decided to open one. The challenge I faced at that time was
Resident Editor and Director of the Hindi newspaper Dainik Jagran in
providing quality education which was economical as well. The target
Bhopal says, “There are only a handful of institutions in our country that
wasn’t easy to achieve, since our one-of-its-kind institution was self-
provide quality education at affordable cost. Adding one more to that list
financed.” Needless to say, organizing finances wasn’t easy. As he adds,
was a challenge for me.” Transforming his thoughts into action, Gupta
“I managed to arrange the money with the support of friends and well-
decided to start with a school in Bhopal in the year 2000.
wishers, and from banks but with great difficulty.”
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elhi Public School Bhopal, the first school started by Gupta, commenced operations in 2000. The institution acquired the desired shape only after the education entrepreneur had conquered numerous challenges. Raising funds from banks was only part of the problem. Selection of quality teachers was of significant importance, and so was fine-tuning their teaching skills. The academic staff had to be encouraged and motivated in order to inculcate a feeling of belongingness in them. Among the primary needs of quality modern-day
schools is state-of-the-art infrastructure. The education entrepreneur had to toil hard to create the best possible environment so that the school could flourish and make an impact. That, it has, which showcases Gupta’s determination to create the first institution of his dreams. Thirteen years after DPS Bhopal was born, Gupta has become an extremely important player in the world of education. “What we give to our students is quality academics, top class infrastructure, good quality of life outside classrooms which effectively means freedom
clubbed with
discipline and mentoring programmes,” says he with obvious pride. The students have flourished in the ambience his institutions offer. Gupta’s journey, to say the least, has been a momentous one indeed.
“JJagran Social Welfare Society lays the foundation of excellence. It aims for quality education at economical cost for all-round development of the students.” Lessons in Determination
communications management has 250 students at present.
Dreamers don’t stop after one destination has been reached. They aspire
Then, there is Jagran Lakecity University, a new project whose first
to go further, and achieve more. Within a few years, Gupta has built a
academic session commenced in August 2013 after the institution was
remarkably big academic empire. He informs, “We have three schools
awarded a Private University status by the Government of Madhya
and a university as of now. The land total area availabke with us is 280
Pradesh in April 2013. The university offers various programmes through
acres. The total constructed area is approximately 9,00,000 square feet.”
its five schools, namely School of Management, School of Media and
Most of the institutions are situated in and around Bhopal, and not
Communication, School of Commerce and Economics, School of
without reason. “Jagran Social Welfare Society which is the managing
Banking and Finance and School of Humanities and Arts. The University
society believes that Bhopal being the centre of India is an apt place for
which has enrolled more than 500 students in its first year will offer
education. It is slowly but surely becoming a major educational hub of
undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. More importantly, it
Central India.” Bhopal’s emergence as an important centre of education
is also an important step forward for an education entrepreneur whose
must be a matter of pride for the man who has played such a key role in
passion for what he does is unquestionable. The network is a vast one, but Gupta realizes that he cannot take it easy
making that happen.
114-115
Among the institutions of the Jagran Social Welfare Society, DPS
for a split second. The challenge of competing against major institutions
Bhopal has 4,300 students and DPS Indore has 3,500 students, while
is a fact he always bears in mind. Hear the man himself: “Our competitors
DPS Kolar has 650 students. After achieving
a significant degree of
are all the big schools that follow the Central Board of Secondary
success in school education, entering the higher education sector was
Education curriculum, and, all universities. However, I believe that we
practically inevitable. This was achieved with the opening of Jagran
have an edge because of our unique method of inculcating excellence in
Institute of Communication and Management, Bhopal, in the year 2009.
our students.” When one looks at the number of institutions that Gupta
JICM which offered undergraduate courses in the areas of management,
has established in such a short time, few can deny that he has what it
advertising and commerce and post graduate courses in marketing and
takes to fight competitive battles and stay ahead of the rest.
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Objectives
Key Features Excellent academic quality State-of-the-art infrastructure Student life on the campus, outside classroom Student freedom clubbed with discipline Student-mentoring programmes
Achievements and Accolades BHOPAL: Topper of STATE CBSE Board AJMER Region scoring 97% aggregate marks INDORE: Topper of STATE and CBSE Board AJMER Region scoring 98% aggregate marks Awarded “Dream School” by Govt of Madhya Pradesh Awarded “Best Infrastructure (Education Category)” by DB Corp. Awarded “Best Advertising Institute of India” by MBA by Choice Awarded “Best Institute offering PGDM” in central India by MBA by CHoice
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
While insisting that the government
A man who believes in articulating
should also finance private players in
his convictions with a few words,
education, he informs that he has no
Gupta
intention
is
of
the
view
that
an
of
diversifying
beyond
institution must play a key role in
education at the moment. “With
developing the personality of a
Jagran Lakecity University having
student. Like many other leading
started, it will take most of my time
education entrepreneurs, he believes
during the next few years.” That is
in
possible
perfectly understandable, since the
to
the
university offers a variety of courses
students. He says: “Our school was
which will demand his focussed
one of the first to deploy digital
attention for sure.
giving
the
technological
best
support
learning way back in 2006. Today, all
Establishing several institutions
the classrooms enable students to
and having turned them into success
have
learning
stories in the past, Gupta will
experience. An institution ought to
definitely go all out to create an
lay the foundation of excellence, he
important institution which many
believes. It is this philosophy that
others would strive to emulate. His
makes him go that extra mile to
track record promises that history
obtain and give the best the students
will repeat itself. Some would say,
can ask for.
once more.
an
interactive
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My mission is to make world class quality education more accessible and affordable so that more students can pursue their dreams. It’s a mission we believe will help make the world a better place. Hari Mohan Gupta
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RAMASHANKAR SINGH Chancellor, ITM University
Where Creativity Meets Innovation
118-119
RAMASHANKAR SINGH, the Chancellor of ITM University, Gwalior was
an imbalance in the sex ratio of the region. The caste system, much
schooled in one of the ordinary municipal schools under the tree on taat
predominant in the area, too had a major role to play.
pattis (a crude kind of a bench). He was hardly aware of what he was
Instead of becoming disdainful of the situation of the region, he drew
being deprived of. Gradually, exposure to the facilities available at Delhi
inspiration from Plato’s book - The Republic - wherein Plato has argued
University, dawned realization that great disparity in education existed
that education should be the art of orientation. Educators should devise
in what was being provided in the cities and what was available in
the simplest and most effective methods of turning minds around. It
backward areas. Mr. Singh’s analytical mind computed data while he
shouldn’t be the art of implanting sight in the organ, but should proceed
was on political tours and travelled extensively through the interior
on the understanding that the organ already has the capacity.
sections of Gwalior and the Chambal region. He gained understanding
His conscience and conviction that access to quality higher education
of the lack of opportunities for education in this area. The Chambal
will help to improve Human Development Index (HDI) in more than one
Region is dominated by the weaker section and backward social classes.
way in the region, led him to set-up the Institution & University at
Adding to this were social problems such as female infanticide and thus
Gwalior in 1997.
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he syllabus in Indian schools is very extensive and exhaustive, and should ideally create individuals who hold vast knowledge. Sadly though
T
this is not the case, points out Mr. Singh. Instead of creating individuals who can think independently, the Indian education system, serves to effectively curb independent thinking, resourcefulness, self-study skills, intellectual maturity, academic confidence, and the very motivation to learn with excellence. Academic excellence is often identified, wrongly, with performance in examinations that tend to assess
mostly memorization skills of a student, and the true measures of academic excellence such as depth of understanding, originality, authenticity, creativity, and perseverance are systematically discouraged. What then hinders their progress? It is primarily the lack of interdisciplinary study which hampers development. When a line is drawn between the various disciplines, it brings limitations to creativity. Understanding which a student has gained of a subject is not measured by his ability to research and create rather it is only gauged from his ability to commit theories to memory.
“IITM University, Gwalior offers a rich learning environment where outstanding students and scholars from around the world are continually challenged and inspired to do their best possible work. Here the atmosphere strives on free and open inquiry and literary criticism ” .
120-121
Harbinger of Change
School of Agriculture. These schools offer courses at the undergraduate,
With the thought of bringing a change in the Indian system of education,
graduate and PhD levels in addition to also providing diploma courses.
the ITM University, Gwalior was started in 1997 with only 120 students.
The ITM University Gwalior Campus is spread lavishly across 165 acres
The University Management says that it is not the curriculum or the
amidst sprawling lush green environs of Vindhyachal ranges. The joy of
courses that set them apart but it is the host of many progressive
learning in conjunction with activities makes the portals of this institute
pedagogical models like choice-based credit system, modular approach,
truly happening. Thus it is hardly surprising that it attracts scholars,
cafeteria approach, multipoint entry and exit, industry-based credits,
Nobel laureates, artists, Heads of States and top corporates to interact
students exchange etc., that have been part of creating cutting-edge
with the students belonging to different streams. The university’s modern
flexible academic environment within the University. Their heuristic
buildings house state-of-the-art laboratories and galleries. The theories
based education strives to make their students competent and creative
learnt in the technology-ready classrooms can be reinforced by
individuals, capable of forging their own path. The institute has various
knowledge gained at the biggest library space in Madhya Pradesh. The
streams available through a variety of schools such as the School of
campus itself tells a tale of modernity which looks at a global horizon.
Engineering and Technology, School of Business, School of Commerce
Yet, the University does not lose its distinct aesthetic and true sense of
and Financial Studies, School of Nursing Sciences, School of Pharmacy,
place, as it displays its hundreds of original works of art. These are
School of Library and Information Science, School of Computer
permanently displayed in the common areas and monumental sculptures
Applications, School of Physical Sciences, School of Life Sciences,
in marble, granite, mild steel or stainless steel in open areas. The largest
School of Education, School of Medical and Paramedical Sciences,
Amphitheatre of India at ITM Campus has been a witness to ever
School of Architecture, School of Hospitality Management and the
bubbling energies of youth. The campus keeps life on a “human scale”
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inspire
students who are studying abroad
and
and spending approximately $ 1
learning. The fact that an institute
billion each year. The average
that started out with 120 students
graduate today does not seek a
today has 15,000 on its registers,
reliable
says a lot about its popularity.
government job but is ready to
and
Key Features The institute focuses on an educational system which promotes learning outcome rather than making the students memorize chapters. This pedagogy leads the students to think and apply theories and thus inculcates strong research focus The mentors chief role here is twofold — maintaining the quality of higher education as also managing the institute to facilitate academics and extracurricular activities
designed
spontaneous
Mr
Singh
to
discussion
agrees
with
the
President of India when he says that
quality,
affordability
and
and
comfortable
work hard in the corporate world amidst competition. This fact can be further reiterated
accessibility should become the
by
mainstay of the higher education
emerging
system. These sentiments are also
professional colleges, which has
The multi discipline choice makes the curriculum student centric
echoed by the students and their
increased to over 700,000 in 2011
guardians. As India is a country
from 550,000 in FY 2010. However,
Collaboration with international institutes gives the students a global access
that respects and understands the
75% of technical graduates and
value of good education, parents
more
here are willing to spend a sizeable
graduates are unemployable by
sum of their resources to procure
India’s
good education for their wards. In
industries, including the booming
fact, there are about 1,10,000
information technology sector.
Achievements and Accolades Best Private University Serving Social Cause by Enhancing Employment Opportunities Awarded on 9th April, 2013 by Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Minister-hrd, Govt. of India, Planning Commission & Assocham Best Innovative University of Industry Interface in India Awarded on 14th April, 2013 by Brands Academy. Best B-School Award by Bangalore Management Association “Most Promising University of North and Central India”, awarded in Feb, 2013 “Best Upcoming Private University in India” by Brands Academy, Singapore, awarded in March, 2012 . Awarded ‘Bihari Asmita Samman 2012’ by Bihari Asmita Samman Samiti.
122-123
is
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
the
number from
than
of
graduates
technical
85%
of
high-growth
and
general global
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Educators should devise the simplest and most effective methods of turning minds around. It shouldn’t be the art of implanting sight in the organ, but should proceed on the understanding that the organ already has the capacity. Ramashankar Singh
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DR. HARI KRISHNA MARAM Founder and CEO, Imperial College
A Great Strategy Going Forward DR. HARI KRISHNA MARAM, Founder and CEO of Imperial College,
upliftment through education, getting into the field of education was a
Bangalore, believes in the immense potential and outreach of
foregone conclusion. Dr. Maram has many lofty views about the benefits
education, which prompted him to invest his time, resource and money
of education and believes it to be a hugely empowering process. He feels
into this sector. Dr. Maram is an achiever in his own right. A high
that education is about encouraging the students’ natural tendency to
networking, friendly leader, Mr Maram was probably the youngest
explore, experiment and evolve so that they can reach the zenith dream
Founder-Director of a Business School at the age of 31. He was also
of their potential. It is about igniting the fire that will spread light globally..
elected as Governing Council Member for AIMA. In addition, he has also been the recipient of the Best Educationist Award
and also various
Leadership in Education Awards. For a person who is academically proficient and believed in social
124-125
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Dr. Maram dreams of taking India to the pinnacle in knowledge and skill set at the world stage and this was what fuelled him to set up one of India’s most promising management institutes in the country - The Imperial College, Bangalore.
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Page 126
he impetus behind setting up the Imperial College came from a deep sense of understanding the education scene in India in relation to that of the world. Dr. Maram and his research team found that the GER in Higher Education is lowest in India compared to that in other developed countries. Plus the fact that the Management and Business Study sector in India had several lacunae and there was a pressing need for good management institutes In India. This prompted Dr. Maram to decide on filling up this gap and Imperial College has done the
needful rather admirably. Everything associated with the Imperial College is done with a great degree of thought. From the obvious i.e the curriculum, the management, faculty and infrastructure, right down to the location of the Institute, the team at Imperial College did some serious research of the market and its requirements. The Institute is located in Bangalore’s BTM Layout which is known for housing some of the leading organizations of the city. Plus it is in the heart of Bangalore city and is a fast growing locale. Dr Maram’s choice of Bangalore owed itself to the city’s finding a place in the Forbes Magazine’s Fastest Growing List of Cities in the next decade. The location straightaway gave a decided advantage to students. Bangalore with its cosmopolitan outlook is also high on appeal and students certainly enjoy their stint while at this college.
“IImperial College is a centre of excellent education, research and training and aspires to promote new knowledge to benefit the corporate environment. It aims at providing the required knowledge, attitude and skill base to students to put them in a fast-track career lane.” Imperial College is built on a total of 80,000 sq feet land area and has
college has managed to put up an enviable performance and as the
infrastructure that covers 50,000 sq feet area. The campus, needless to
awards and accolades have flowed in, it has created a space for itself in
say is sprawling with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The college started
the Management Studies map of India.
its operations in 2009 with just 80 students and has over 1,200 students
126-127
on the rolls today who pursue the various courses on offer, mainly BBM,
The Cutting Edge
MBA, PGDM, E-MBA.
The Imperial College has shot to the top spot for many reasons; notable
While funding was not such a huge problem, and the institute did start
among these is that it provides world-class education at a very
out on the funds generously given by Dr. Maram himself yet there were
affordable rate. Since its inception in 2009, the Institute has constantly
other crucial as well as niggling problems. Getting students was a
evolved, in its curriculum, in its infrastructural facilities and in its overall
problem in the initial years as the college was struggling to establish
interaction with the industry. Students are encouraged to do learning
itself. This problem, however, evaporated soon with Imperial College’s
that is based on simulated exercises that stimulates critical thinking and
excellent academic record and the string of awards and accolades that
problem-solving skills. A lot of inputs go into improving communication
followed in the years to come. Other problems included getting good
skills of students as also their skills in research and documentation. In
faculty members, putting together a finely tuned regulatory system that
addition the college gives inputs in technology imaging, cloud
was self sustaining, and presenting a sound curriculum that would
computing, business simulation games. It has an Apple Lab, and even
provide students with an edge. Imperial College has risen to the
online learning facilities among other such modern facilities. The
challenge and has been able to establish itself in a very short time. The
Institute lays a lot of emphasis on getting students to interact with the
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Key Features To provide quality education at most affordable cost
also
other
vocational
students to real life situations and
institutes also take place very
gives them practical skills but it also
regularly
facilitates placement procedures.
substantially
Companies like GE, Novartis, HSBC,
collaborations.
and
students
training benefit
from
these
Innovation in curriculum development
Citi Bank, American Express, GSK,
Activity based learning, critical thinking and problem solving communication skills, technology image
Google, SAP, HP, Infosys, Wipro and
The Verdict
TCS recruit students from the
Imperial College is certainly one of
campus every year.
the better places in the country
Focus on Research Great Industry Interaction
Achievements and Accolades Ranked No. 1 Institute in student satisfaction survey Rated A+ institute by AIMA Best B-School Award by Bangalore Management Association
Although the major competition
where students of management can
comes from training institutes who
expect to get a sound education at
are offering short term courses yet
very reasonable fees. It is little
the
curriculum,
wonder that it has been voted as the
infrastructure, excellent location
No. 1 institute in the Student
helps Imperial College beat back the
Satisfaction
competition. As Dr. Maram says
member of All India Management
that for the Institute 100 percent
Association (AIMA), Association of
placement and industry interaction
Indian Management Schools (AIMS),
provides them with the greatest
Education Promotion Society for
edge. Along with this, the able
India (EPSI), NHRD, NIPM, CII, FICCI,
leadership under Professor Sonika
AMDISA,
Sharma, Dean of Imperial College
ASSOCHAM, Imperial College helps
and the team work within the
students get a good head start in
various parts of the Institute also
their careers. Dr. Maram and his
gives the Institute a cutting edge.
dedicated team have a singular
ever
changing
Imperial College also collaborates with
various
ABLE
the
and
dream — of creating a world-class
Universities like GCU (Glasgow
in the Fortune 500 companies. With
Caledonian University, UK), CAL
the introduction of effective and New
TAFE
Age technologies to disseminate
exchange
information, it is only sometime
Imperial
before this dream will become a
USA,
(Australia).
Student
Leadership in Management Education by Dayanand Sager Trust
College and these Institutes and
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
TIE,
Being
Institute and alumni that will feature
University,
Faculty has published more than 150 Research Papers in national and international publications and presented papers in 24 countries in 76 conferences
Survey.
International
Outstanding Contribution to Society Award from Lions International
Best Innovations in Management Education Award from AIMA
128-129
industry. This not only opens up
programmes
and
between
reality.
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Education is about encouraging the students’ natural tendency to explore, experiment and experience. It is about igniting the fire that will spread light globally. Dr. Hari Krishna Maram
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SOBHA RANI NANDURY Chairperson, The ICFAI Society
Unleashing the Power of Innovation in Education SOBHA RANI COPPARAPU (NANDURY) ,
130-131
Chairperson, Board of
energy on the fledgling institution. Expansion was inevitable and when
Governors of the ICFAI Society is also the wife of the founder, late N J
that happened, it turned the ICFAI Group of Institutions into a symbol of
Yasaswy. She had the opportunity of closely observing her husband
what ambition can deliver. He was instrumental in building several
build this institution and see it turning out to be a significant part of their
business schools and universities in the developing states of India,
lives. Mr Yasaswy had observed the knowledge gaps in terms of weak
particularly in the North-East region.
fundamentals and business knowledge among young professionals
The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education in Hyderabad occupied
when he was a faculty of the Administrative Staff College of India and a
pride of place among the several institutions he started and was close
reputed finance consultant. A great teacher and an institution builder,
to his heart. He stood for professional management, excellence in the
he was eager to bring about positive changes, and established the
quality of education offered in the ICFAI institutions, and absolute
Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) as a single
discipline.
institute in 1985. In an era when government support was the norm of
He was charismatic, a great teacher, an institution builder, a visionary
the day, ICFAI was a not-for-profit educational society without
and a genius, who was years ahead of his time. Mrs. Sobha Rani ensures
governmental sops or institutional funding. He chose to spend all his
that his vision continues to guide ICFAI forever.
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he ICFAI Society commenced its operations with the CFA programme in which approximately 1,000 students had enrolled in the first year. Today, ICFAI has approximately 10,000 students who have enrolled in all campus programmes (under graduation and post graduation) and nearly one lakh students in its Flexible Learning Programmes (Distance Education). Creating and managing private educational institutions in a not-for-profit and non-stock format is extremely complex in an ever-changing regulatory environment. Ensuring quality education is
really a challenging task. ICFAI set a role model in creating and operating such a higher education institution without financial assistance from the government or the corporate houses, and without any political support. ICFAI established its Universities primarily to take quality higher education to the doorsteps of the interiors and underdeveloped regions of the country. ICFAI Business Schools were established at around the same time, yet another unique footprint in its genesis.
“IICFAI is a group of institutions which emphasizes on learning rather than instructions. In addition, the institute is engaged in important areas of research covering environmental sustainability, agricultural economics, health policy, financial economics, banking, intellectual property rights etc.” When ICFAI launched its initial programmes, there was no government
and methods that would make education much more relevant for the
subsidy, no corporate funding and no large donors. Remembers Sobha
industry. ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad was established in 1995
Rani Copparapu (Nandury), the visionary founder’s wife and the
with the objective of imparting relevant and contemporary business
Chairperson of the ICFAI Society, “In those tough first months, one
education. One of the unique features that no other B School in India
turned to a few friends for short-term funds. It was a small loan that
adopts is a 100% case-based education. This method enables the student
formed the initial nucleus. Being strapped for cash meant that austerity
to get exposed to real life simulations and decision making. The case
became the name of the game. It also meant that every rupee that
studies adopted in the first year are developed by IBS Case Research
flowed into the institute, from whatever source, had to be carefully
Centre (CRC).
spent. Working on a shoestring budget, ICFAI literally counted every
The cases developed in CRC are renowned world over and have won
penny that it spent.”
laurels and accolades at the global level. Amongst others, IBS cases
Around three decades later, the Group which consists of 11 Universities
compete with cases developed by Harvard, Stanford and INSEAD,
and six B-schools emphasizes on learning rather than instructions. Its
Cambridge Judge and London Business School. Furthermore, many of
institutes are engaged in important areas of research covering
these institutions are also users of IBS cases. IBS also lays emphasis on
environmental sustainability, agricultural economics, health policy,
technology-enabled learning. It has developed a unique Learning
financial economics, banking, intellectual property rights etc.
Management System based on Moodle. IBS, as part of its contemporary curriculum, would usher in a new revolution in the classroom
132-133
USP of a Leader
experience within the education industry. The entire platform being
ICFAI has believed in being innovative in introducing various courses
developed on the cutting edge technology will provide a huge interactive
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Shri N J Yasaswy, Founder, The ICFAI Group
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Key Features
learning experience assimilated by
the-art facilities. Different academic
a breathtaking online experience.
blocks
available
IBS’ unique summer internship
classrooms,
programme ensures that students
tutorial rooms, conference halls,
are exposed to industry’s dynamics
seminar halls, auditorium, library,
100% case-based education enables the student to get exposed to real life simulations and decision making.
and get corporate ready. This
computer
internship programme is evaluated
meeting
separately
high
offices, academics office, student
Technology-enabled learning makes learning easy, lucid and more interactive
number of credits. Holistically, the
support services office, and career
campus experience is completely
management center. There are two
Focus on Innovative thinking and Entrepreneurial mindset
fun-filled. From going to pressure
unique canteens, one for North
intensive classrooms to relaxing in
Indians and another for South. The
Unique summer internship programme ensures that students are exposed to industry’s dynamics and get corporate exposure
the pool after a game of squash, it
campus is also equipped with
becomes an enriching experience
medical facilities, ambulance and a
and enables the intern to strike a
resident doctor. Moreover, there are
Fun-filled campus experience, from high-pressure intensive classrooms to relaxing in the pool after a game of squash, enables the students to strike the perfect work-life balance
perfect work-life balance. Extra-
ample
and co-curricular activities which
students and staff to commute.
CRISIL National level Rating - A** CRISIL State Level Rating- A*** ICRA National Level Rating- EB2 IN ICRA State Level Rating- EB2+AP IBS Hyderabad is a member of: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), USA Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP) The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), Belgium Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDSIA), India The Association of Asia Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS), Korea
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
carries
a
lab,
faculty
rooms,
transport
theaters,
rooms,
administrative
facilities
for
and
The ICFAI Group continues to
societies are for the students to go
have new targets and objectives as
beyond
it
involve
clubs,
committees
regular
schedule
and
continues
to
produce
fine
explore their passions and interests.
students. Mrs. Sobha Rani says, “We
All the owned campuses are
would like ICFAI Business School to
spread out in huge land areas with
be perceived as a thought leader in
state-of-the-art
the education industry.”
infrastructure; at
The story of the ICFAI is one that
Hyderabad is a 92-acre lush green
is worthy of emulation. As it
campus with a built-up area of over
continues to grow, we are sure that
15 lakh sq.ft. The fully residential
the good work will continue.
specifically,
IBS, Hyderabad is among the first Business schools to be graded:
and
lecture
with
Innovative courses and methods make education much more relevant for the industry
Achievements and Accolades
134-135
are
the
campus
campus is equipped with state-of-
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The essence of education is knowledge creation and knowledge dissemination. The ultimate dream is to create professionals with well-rounded personalities who can work for the good of the society. Sobha Rani Copparapu Nandury
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DR. M. R. JAYARAM Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation
Changing Education Paradigms DR. MATHIKERE RAMAIAH JAYARAM is the Chairman of Gokul
facilitating quality higher education was the best way to serve the society.
Educational Foundation. A deeply spiritual person, he considers
But in those days, opportunities for higher education were few and
becoming the Dharmadhikari of Yogi Nareyana Yathindra Ashram in
limited. Reflecting on this era, Dr. Jayaram says, “The Government of
Kaiwara to be the most significant achievement of his life. He had been
Karnataka invited my father to set up a college for higher education,
a journalist and also a Member of Legislative Assembly between 1972
particularly in Engineering.” The invitation resulted in the establishment
and 1978. By participating in the process of imparting quality higher
of GEF, a public charitable trust, which was one of the first to establish a
education, Dr. Jayaram is contributing immensely to the fulfilment of an
completely self-funded engineering college. And, thus was laid the
important social need which his father had sought to address.
foundation of the promoter of the M.S. Ramaiah Group of Institutions, a
His father, Late Dr. M.S. Ramaiah was a philanthropist and a visionary and had a dream for Karnataka. He was a firm believer of the fact that
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
hugely significant contributor to the cause of education and healthcare as well.
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he birth of M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology was a boon, since it provided more opportunities to those in Karnataka who aspired to study engineering. He adds, “In fact, this initiative of Government of Karnataka resulted in the state becoming the educational hub of India during 1970s through late 1990s.” In its first year of operation, 100 students were enrolled in the college. More than five decades later, the M.S. Ramaiah Group of Institutions, which has since added several more institutions to its list, has 12,500 students who are benefitting
from the advantages offered by quality higher education.
M.S. Ramaiah Group of Institutions provides holistic “M knowledge to all aspiring youth and also provides opportunity for life-long learning. It delivers education and health for the betterment of mankind.” Procuring land for setting up a big institution was difficult. In this case,
‘Spring of Knowledge - Gnana Gangothri.’
land owned by the family helped. Agreeing to the fact that setting up the
established in accordance with the specified guidelines. As Dr. Jayaram
institute was not at all easy, Dr. Jayaram says, “Family land to the extent
points out, “The facilities and infrastructure of each institution more
of around 85 acres was donated to the trust for setting up the
than meets the statutory requirements laid out by the various regulatory
educational institutions.” Endeavours to meet challenges require
bodies.”
Each one of them was
sacrifices quite often. Dr. Jayaram shares those made by his family.
In order to make an impact, every institute has to have qualities that
“Buildings initially were built with funds donated by the family. In fact,
attract students. Those studying in one of the several run by the GEF
the family sold a lot of personal land to meet the operational costs
reap the benefits of learning from a committed and competent faculty.
during its early years.”
The quality of infrastructure is excellent and facilities are looked into
Accompanying these problems were others which every new institute
and upgraded on a regular basis. The focus on postgraduate and
must confront and try to overcome. To start with, getting students itself
postdoctoral programmes is an important consideration for many
was one of them. Attracting students from other states and international
students. That there are international tie-ups for research proves
students who wished to study in India was equally, if not more, tough. It
naturally beneficial. Quality, as Dr. Jayaram says, is an “internalized
was difficult to hire good faculty that was dedicated to the objective of
concept in healthcare and educational delivery.”
imparting quality education, the very reason why the institute had come into being.
Having undertaken a long journey since its initial days, the M.S. Ramaiah Group of Institutions offers a wide range of programmes today. One can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes in
Success Story
Engineering Science, UG, PG and DM/Mch programmes in Health
One of the reasons why the set-up is located at a distance of seven kms
Sciences (Medical, Dental, Physiotherapy, Nursing & Pharmacy) and
from the city centre in North Bangalore is because the land in this
those in General Sciences (including Management, Law and Arts &
location was owned by the family. Besides, there was no engineering
Science).” The institutes strive to equip students with the sort of learning
college in North Bangalore whereas South Bangalore had UVCE, BMSCE
which will help them in the future. Dr. Jayaram explains, “Our USP is
and RV Colleges.
delivering quality education to the students which is skill-centric
All the institutions of GEF are housed inside a single campus called
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
through the skill labs established in all branches of learning where
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Key Features
students get to do practical and
be the best providers of quality
live experiments.”
education and healthcare.”
Since
Committed and competent faculty
students
need
to
As the leader of a huge network
acclimatize to the diversity in
of
social
the
believes in the decentralization of
institutions also provide a unique
responsibility. As someone who
community-oriented programme
follows the mantra of consultative
in both urban and rural settings as
leadership, he also opts for the
part of the curriculum which helps
delegation of authority to give a
Quality as an internalized concept in health care and educational delivery
in developing the spirit of empathy
sense
and compassion.
“This offers an
employees. Empowerment of the
International tie-ups for research
opportunity to learn relevantly at
employees so that they perform to
the community level,” says Dr.
their
Jayaram.
direction and occasional guidance
Excellent infrastructure with continuous up-gradation of facilities Focus on Postgraduate and Postdoctoral programmes
environment,
institutions,
of
Dr.
belonging
potential
by
Jayaram
to
the
providing
is an important concern for him.
Achievements and Accolades M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (Autonomous Institute, Affiliated to VTU) Edupreneur 2012 Award for MSRIT by EdCIL (India) Ranked 21st among Engineering Colleges in India (Nelson’s Survey Published in 2007) All UG Programmes were accredited by National Board of Accreditation thrice in the years 2001, 2004 and 2010 M. S. Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals Recognized by Medical Council of India (MCI) - 1986. Recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) 1990 and 8 other Medical Councils throughout the World. ISO Certification - 1999 from TUV Rheuland - as the ‘First Medical College in the World’ to receive ISO certification. Ranked amongst Top 25 Colleges of the Country. M.S. Ramaiah Dental College Hospital M.S. RAMAIAH COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT Ranked amongst the Top Ten Hotel Management Colleges in India (The Week- HANSA Survey) M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Science & Research Ranked amongst the Top Ten (out of 176) and the only Nursing Institute from Karnataka M.S. Ramaiah College of Pharmacy M.S. Ramaiah College of Law M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Management
140-141
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Competition and Leadership
So is the task of
Competition among educational
gets done in the best manner
institutions is a visible reality in
possible. The M.S. Ramaiah Group of
modern times. However, as Dr. Jayaram
rightly
“Competition
points exists
identifying the
right person for any job so that it
in
out, the
Institutions has acquired a stature of
distinctive
importance.
Its
education space only in terms of
growth is a clear indication that its
providing quality education and
institutions have set new goals
not in terms of profitability as it is
that will be met. A little more time
normally understood. We strive to
is all they need..
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Education is a process of providing holistic knowledge to all aspiring youth and providing opportunity for life long learning. Dr. M. R. Jayaram
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DR. AMIR ULLAH KHAN President and Vice Chancellor, Glocal University
Creating the Bridge DR. AMIR ULLAH KHAN, President and Vice Chancellor of Glocal
added to this is another factor, such as the private sector which
University thinks that in order to make India’s development sustainable,
according to government regulations is allowed to invest in education.
the country requires hands that are well trained and minds that have the
While individuals may not have the resources or where-with-all to
knowledge to take this development forward. It is then not a very happy
initiate the setting up of an institution, the private sector does but then
situation, especially in the Northern regions of India where only ten
these institutes are so high end that most people are unable to afford
percent of the high school graduates go ahead to complete university
them.
education. The fact that only 10 percent students complete university education stands as the lowest percentage in the world. When students decide not to pursue higher education, it creates a severe supply gap. Moreover,
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SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Another factor which has made education difficult is the unsafe environment. Yes, it is a fact that parents want their children to be well educated but surely not at the cost of their safety.
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uch were the thoughts that led to the establishment of an institution that addressed all such needs. While the institute named Glocal is just an alphabet away from the word global, its aim is to prepare students to develop a view which is truly global. Preparing students to fit into the global market, providing them with skills which will bring out their latent creativity and lending them the confidence to create their own niche are the most important goals which Glocal is set to achieve.
Parents, who have been concerned about their wards’ safety, can take a breather now as alongside maintaining a healthy academic environment
within the campus, the authorities also want to focus on the safety of its students. Traditions, values, ethics and deep cultural heritage are the tools which shall help Glocal inculcate strong moral grounding in its students so that they themselves become the ambassadors of the Indian culture and create a healthy environment, wherever they go. Glocal University aims to make these morals so strong that when the youth is faced with competition, whether in education institutes or in corporate houses, they abstain from any wrong practices and instead take it up as a healthy means of improving one’s own skill set.
The Glocal University brings together the best in “T University education with the highest level of corporate ethics that the competitive world today demands.” Making The Difference
Matter Of Pride
Establishing such an institute requires intense planning. With an
Glocal at the very onset has rolled out seven schools: Engineering,
intention to have an institute which fulfilled all the attributes required,
Technology, Media and Journalism, Accounting, Commerce, Law and
the Abdul Wahid Trust was set up. It is a nonprofit entity that has raised
Business Management.
the investment required to establish Glocal. Catering to the demands of the people of the district of Saharanpur,
provides. They not only provide a wide variety of streams but even when
nestled under the picturesque Shivalik Hills also known as the lower
the student has chosen a particular stream but would want to change it
Himalayas, Glocal has just about started its journey. This location has
after a year, he is given the flexibility to do so. Their exceptional faculty
the advantage of being at the confluence of three large states namely
want to give the students a freehand in zeroing onto their likes and
Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir hence it shall
realizing their own talents.
find students from all the three states seeking admission here.
The university through its various endeavours, shall, in time, have
Moreover, it is only four hours by road from Delhi, an hour-and-a-half’s
better standards than the established government universities in bigger
drive from Dehradun airport and 60 minutes away from the Saharanpur
cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The curriculum and the flexibility to shift
station. This accessibility will make it easy for students and their
streams in conjunction with a safe environment shall prove to be a
guardians to reach the institute.
standout point. A quite but distinctly serene environment will surely be
The campus is one of the largest in the country, sprawling on nearly
conducive to the purpose of learning.
300 acres of land. “The buildings too have been designed aesthetically
It is in the interest of the institute that the reins of the university be in
to confirm to the best international standards of safety, comfort and
the hands of the Heads of the various schools. The Heads of these
environment protection. Also the entire area is a smart campus, with the
schools are amenable to mid-course corrections made by the students
best in IT infrastructure that can be thought of today,” says Mr. Khan. As
and encourage
the institution’s prime concern is providing quality, they have started
University.
with a very modest figure of 300 students this year but intend to go up to 5000 students next year.
144-145
It prides itself on the multidisciplinary syllabus that the University
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
experimentation and innovation everywhere in the
Other than flexibility, which of course brings about a healthy environment which facilitates research, even the faculty are motivated
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Key Features Flexibility in moving across disciplines and schools Emphasis on Mathematics and Languages for all students Global standards and local culture together Focus on learning and not on examinations Relatively easy entry criteria but really tough evaluations
to imbibe innovate pedagogy. One
had to be cautious about spending
might
unnecessary sums on promoting
find
it
strange
that
Engineering students learn social science, Media and Law students
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
Having taken care of all such
in
factors, the Vice Chancellor, Dr
Mathematics and all students learn
Amir Ullah Khan is confident that
at least one foreign language but
Glocal will emerge as an institute
all these measures prepare the
which promotes talent and the urge
alumni for a global exposure.
to learn by being inclusive and not
get
a
solid
grounding
exclusive. The very fact that it is
Progressing Further
located in a suburban setting shall
What proved to be challenging in
help it achieve its aim of emerging
the initial establishment of the
as the best institution in the
institute was finding the best
country and instead of Indian
faculty and hiring progressive non-
students going abroad to study it
teaching
will pull students from various
staff.
As
cost
was
definitely a factor the management
146-147
the University.
corners of the world.
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Education is what equips the student to understand the world better, celebrate diversity that exists around her and appreciate conflicting opinions and ideas. Dr Amir Ullah Khan
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DR JOSEPH V. G. Chairman, Garden City College
Noble Thoughts, Higher Goals DR.
148-149
JOSEPH
V.G. ,
behind
disenchanted with the absence of a systematic intervention, one that
Bangalore’s Garden City College has very clear-cut ideas about the
would propel sweeping cultural changes, both at the micro as well as
importance of education. Education for him is the most powerful
macro levels, empowering both the individual and the country in the
instrument to change the life and lifestyle of an individual. It is the
bargain. With a view to change the quality of education and push
singular mechanism that can grant the youth of today with a sound
forward the agenda for empowerment for the youth, Dr. Joseph put his
knowledge base and enable him/her to live a comfortable life; a life
concerted efforts behind setting up one of the most promising institutes
that will be wholesome and complete. It will propel the youth to
in the country – The Garden City College in Bangalore. According to him,
become a better human being.
“Only good education marries idealism with practicality,” marking him
the
chief
architect-cum-visionary
Dr. Joseph’s foray into the field of education was propelled by some
out to be one of the most vibrant educationists of contemporary India.
amount of disillusionment with the quality and quantity of education
The Garden City College offers a wide variety of courses but more than
and skill sets that was being disseminated when he was young. He was
that it seeks to shape every individual into a responsible entity.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
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tarted in 1992 with only 150 students on board, Garden City College currently has 5,500 students on its rolls. Despite teething problems revolving mainly around getting adequate funds, hiring competent personnel, identifying suitable programmes, getting the infrastructure ready, getting relevant approvals, hiring competent staff and evolving systems for day-to-day management, Garden City College managed to not only make a mark in the B-School scenario but surprised everyone by rushing forth full throttle and leaving competition far behind.
Re-accredited by NAAC with ‘A’ grade, Garden City College is ISO 9001: 2008 certified as well as ISO 14001:2004 certified. It has secured over 80
University ranks in the last 6 years proving the quality of education it disseminates. Students have won gold medals in courses like BHM, MBA, M.Sc. Biotechnology, M.Sc. Electronic Media, M.S in Communication, M.Sc. Applied Genetics and Master of Tourism Administration. The college is a member of All India Management Association, Association of Bio-technology Led Enterprises and Indian Society of Technical Education.
Garden City College has a rare distinction of mixing Science “G and Management. We have always believed that it is essential for a Science student to acquire Managerial skills and at the same time the Management students should develop a Scientific temper.” A Cut Above the Rest
Annamalai University, IGate Global Solutions, Tata Consultancy
Located in the eastern part of Bangalore, Garden City College has a
Services, Cognizant Technology Solutions, etc.
sprawling campus that extends over 20 acres of land and is built over 10 lakh square feet area. Garden City College boasts an expansive
150-151
The fees are extremely affordable and students receive education that is certainly in keeping with global parameters.
infrastructure, a conducive environment that shapes students into
The Infrastructure in terms of library, e-journals and others is
strong and focused individuals; academicians who are well versed in
matchless. The college has its own journals like The Paradigm, Optima,
their area of specialization, and grants students with sizeable
Ripples, Luminaire and Life Science Edge.
opportunities to hone their skill set. However, what sets it apart from
The college has developed its own educational management system
other institutions working on a similar agenda is that students here are
with a student portal, faculty portal and parent portal to manage the
tutored in both Science and Management. So they effectively evolve into
day-to-day affairs of the college. E-mail/SMS alerts on college activities,
men and women with enviable managerial skills based on keen
online examinations for training are currently being used. Students are
scientific temperament. This gives students a decided edge in the
provided with SMART cards that can be used at the library, for payment
market.
of fee, in the cafeteria etc. This enhances the quality of the service
It is a multicultural and multiethnic learning centre with students from
delivery system. A matchless faculty is well versed in its area of
over 73 countries studying in it and has collaborations with various
specialization and has over 300 research papers to its credit. These
international and national agencies like Hanze University, Groningen,
encompass
Netherlands; Maruwa Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.; Trivandrum Technopark,
publications.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
both
national
and
international
symposiums
and
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Key Features Multicultural, multiethnic and student-centric learning environment
A conducive environment here
India where education has been
encourages students to go beyond
treated with great reverence and
the class room and participate in
seen as a way to put society onto a
extracurricular activities. Festivals
path
and competitions ensure a degree
commercialization of education
of competitiveness.
has largely bypassed the Institute
of
progress.
So
the
The Garden City College boasts a
benefitting the students and the
Absolutely ragging free and novel student-engaging techniques
ragging-free atmosphere where
society at large. The management
students can experience a relaxed
as a collective set want to make
Matchless infrastructure, excellent learning resources in terms of library and e-journals and competent faculty members
and positive environment in which
Garden City College one of the top
to pursue their education.
10 destinations on the B-school cell
map of India and are leaving no
Industry-ready skills instilled in students, placements of choice and good linkages with people in the industry
engages top companies like The
stone unturned in their efforts to
Oberoi, Tata Consultancy Services,
make this a reality.
The
vibrant
placement
Cognizant Technology Solutions, I
Positive life-changing environment
Gate Global Solutions, Citibank,
Verdict
Infosys, IBM, The Hyatt, Wipro,
Garden City College was the vision of
Federal Bank, Ritz Carlton and
one man who put in his personal
Marriott
savings to start the Institute. Along
to come to campus and
recruit students every year.
the way Dr. Joseph sold his dreams of a modern, progressive India to
Cutting Edge of Learning
many like-minded individuals who
The key to the success of Garden
in
City College rests singularly on the
progress of India. The vision was
hard
academics.
strong and over the years, despite
Following closely is the importance
pressures from market forces, it has
given to other closely related
remained steady, furthering not just
Best B-school Leadership Award for Nurturing Talents
activities that shapes up a well
the career but also the lives and
at the Asia Brand Congress, 2008
informed person with an attitude,
minds of the youth. Through the
aptitude and temperament to get
Institute Dr. Joseph and his team
Dainik Bhaskar B-School Leadership Award for using
going in the real world. Dr. Joseph
have moved beyond the restrictive
Technology in Education, 2008
and his team, comprising some of
parameters of individual progress
the best in the country, aspire to
and are certainly contributing to
further the 2000-year legacy of
shaping modern India.
Achievements and Accolades Chairman Dr. Joseph VG appointed as Honorary Consul of The Republic of Maldives in Bangalore, 2008
Impact’s Outstanding B-School in Marketing, 2009 Impact B-School Award for B-School with Industry Related Curriculum in Communications, 2009 Dr. Joseph VG conferred with the prestigious Aryabhata International Award for his outstanding contribution in the field of education, 2012
152-153
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
focus
on
saw education as being the bulwark the
economic
and
cultural
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Education is to enhance knowledge which is the greatest tool for living. Dr. Joseph V. G.
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RONY GEORGE KURIEN COO, Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa
A-Z of Hospitality
154-155
RONY GEORGE KURIEN, the Chief Operating Officer of Ecole Hôtelière
A leader who believes in participative leadership and delegating work to
Lavasa believes that, “In developing economies, industries tend to do
his colleagues, Kurien is understandably proud of the
their own training. Most of the curricula in India are not relevant to the
Undergraduate Programme in Hospitality Management. Says he, “The
modern world of hospitality. Going forward, schools need to instill the
four-year hospitality management programme of Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa
21st century paradigm of hospitality education with concepts such as
is one of the most comprehensive hospitality education programmes
employee and customer engagement, experience and joy.” It is this
being offered by any institute in India.”
thought process that gave rise to Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa which aims at
Considered to be approachable, responsible, action-oriented, fun-loving
imparting the modern paradigm of education that can produce future
and adaptable, Mr Kurien lives in the campus while his wife, Nina Kurien
leaders for the Indian hospitality industry.
and children Roshini and Varun live in Bangalore.
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
4-year
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he setting up of Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa was preceded by challenges such as the need to find the right location, recruitment of qualified faculty and getting academic accreditation and compliances for international programmes. However, these roadblocks were eventually conquered and the institute came into being. The mission was clearly defined, one of them being the creation of industry-ready talent and employment. Kurien explains, “Developing employable talent for the hospitality industry has always been a challenge. Ecole Hôtelière
Lavasa is providing opportunity to the youth of this region to be trained in the latest trends and practices in hotel management and catering services and help in the creation of new employment opportunities.” Bridging the chasm between supply and demand being the motivation, Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa is nurturing and providing a steady stream of skilled hospitality professionals.
Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa is a hospitality management “E institute of excellence with academic certification from the finest and oldest hospitality school - Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne of Switzerland. With a unique curriculum, it provides a balanced mix of business and hospitality education.” Taste of Quality
curriculum is unique and teaching methodology of Lausanne is
Located in Lavasa, India’s first planned hill city which is three hours
employed with the faculty trained and certified in Switzerland.
drive away from Mumbai and an hour’s drive from Pune, Ecole Hôtelière
Its infrastructure includes five live restaurants on campus supported by
Lavasa is a hospitality management institute of excellence with
five-star kitchens, 20 multi-media classrooms, four auditoriums, an
academic certification from the finest and oldest hospitality school —
amphitheatre and a cyber-hotel that brings in the latest technology.
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne of Switzerland. Already establishing new
During the course of completing this programme, the students are
benchmarks of excellence in hospitality education in India, Ecole
exposed to the best in quality industry practices.
Hôtelière Lavasa nurtures the best-in-class professionals, hospitality
156-157
leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow with its unique curriculum,
Food for Thought
highly specialized learning facilitators and state-of-the-art facilities,
The strength of Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa is its methodology of learning.
from sports academies to adventure sports, amateur astronomy to fine
“We do not teach. Students learn. While most hotel schools in India
arts. It provides a balanced mix of business and hospitality education.
follow the pedagogic method where the teacher takes the onus of
Among its unique features is a four-year Hospitality Management
acquiring knowledge and passing them on to students as passive
programme certified by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland.
recipients, Ecole applies the andragogy method where the students are
The students also have the opportunity to transfer credits to Ecole
guided to research topics and present their knowledge.” says Mr. Kurien.
hôtelière de Lausanne after two years and complete the degree in
Mr. Kurien, who wants to see Ecole Hôtelière Lavasa as the biggest
Switzerland or with EHL-certified schools around the world. Not only
hospitality management institute in Asia in the coming five years, lays
that, it is the only institute in India where students have access to all the
constant emphasis on the need for having quality teaching set-ups in a
hospitality formats during their academic session and two business
nation such as ours. “The industry has discovered that the General
internships with prestigious hospitality brands across India. The
Managers who rise from the operational stream are not necessarily sound
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Key Features
business managers when they reach
that equips him/her to apply theory
that
to practice.
position.”
Students have access to all hospitality formats during their academic session and two business internships with prestigious hospitality brands across India. Unique curriculum and teaching methodology of Lausanne with faculty trained and certified in Switzerland Only institute in India where students can access all hospitality formats for their practical learning, from budget to luxury hotels, wellness centres to sports academics, clubs and spas at Lonavla Infrastructure includes five live restaurants on campus supported by 5-star kitchens, 20 multi-media classrooms, 4 auditoriums and an amphitheatre and a cyber-hotel that brings in the latest technology
Hôtelière
he says, helps to fill that
“Such a meticulous approach is a
gap and is, therefore, the only true
must,” believes Kurien. Naturally,
Hospitality,
and
since the industry is evolving at a
Entrepreneurship Institute in India.
fast pace. There is an increasing
There is a balance of hoteleering
need for course modules and
inputs combined with management
curriculum that can compete with
inputs equivalent to the first year of
the best international standards.
an MBA programme. “Students
Says he, “One needs to understand
graduating from our institutes are
that the most effective way of
placed as management trainees.
imparting knowledge is to induce a
They are expected to become
coherent partnership between its
General Managers by the age of 35-
two chief facets — learning and
40 years.”
application with a conscious move
Lavasa,
A 4-year Hospitality Management Programme certified by Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland. Also an opportunity to transfer credits to Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne after two years and complete the degree in Switzerland.
Ecole
Leadership
course
from a teacher-led strategy to
student
student-centric learning strategy.”
undergoes business internship in
Industry-academia partnership is
semester III and semester VI. The
the way forward for hospitality
two business internships ensure
education in the country to ensure
that the students are exposed to
that
real competition while learning
employable talent.
Apart
from
curriculum,
the every
from their personal experiences.
Achievements and Accolades Academic certification with EHL and AHLEI
158-159
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
the
institutions
produce
To maintain its leading position,
During the internship, the student
Ecole
experiences
the
constantly modernizing the study
operations,
programmes in response to the
dynamics
of
and hotel
learns
Hôtelière
of
the
Lavasa
is
thereby augmenting the knowledge
necessities
hospitality
and skills he/she has acquired in
industry at the international level. If
the class. Students intern in all the
the sector has to grow in the right
relevant departments of the hotel
direction, that’s the way to go.
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Education today has evolved from medicine, engineering to other vocational streams. More emphasis should be given to active learning, critical thinking and communication-led education programmes. Rony George Kurien
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GURMEET SINGH DHALIWAL Founder and Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Baba Farid Group of Institutions
Unleashing the Power of Excellence in Education
160-161
GURMEET SINGH DHALIWAL, the Founder & Chairman-cum-Managing
other industries, including trading but realized that his passion and
Director of the Baba Farid Group of Institutions (BFGI) believes that the
vision both lay in the field of education.
purpose of education is to gain knowledge, improve skills and, above
An MA and B.Ed, he began his career as an educationist when he
all, prepare for the future. He says, “It’s all about creating better citizens
opened a nursery school with 25 students in 1993. “I felt there is a huge
who can contribute towards empowering society and taking it as their
scope towards bridging the gap between the prevailing education
responsibility.”
system and new advancements, and it is this that inspired me to set up
While still a student, Dhaliwal, who was born in Kotkapura (Punjab) in
Baba Farid Group of Institutions,” Dhaliwal reminisces. His dedication
1964, grew increasingly unhappy with the lacunae in the Indian
and commitment bore fruit and today there are 9,000 students in BFGI,
education system. Before turning to the field of education, he worked in
which was established in 2005.
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Page 162
he more than 50-acre lush-green campus is located in a serene, tranquil and pollution-free environment just 4km from the municipal limits of Bathinda city. “It is ideally located and is conducive for studies,” assures the CMD of the institute, adding that “it has also a good connectivity with 15 major towns & more than 150 villages of the region.” The campus houses all its entities, namely the Baba Farid College of Engineering & Technology (BFCET), Baba Farid College of Management & Technology (BFCMT), Baba Farid College (BFC), Baba Farid
College of Education (BFCE) and Baba Farid Senior Secondary School (BFSSS). Courses/subjects include “50-plus regular graduate, post-graduatelevel courses in the field of engineering, sciences, technology, management, agriculture, humanities and subsequently provide professional, technical & employability enhancement training” informs Dhaliwal. Although he is aided by a competent team, he is very approachable and strongly believes in an open-door policy from top-to-bottom level employees. He explains, “I follow a democratic and delegative style of leadership where my mission is to create more leaders. I believe that it is not just about stepping up the ladder alone but also to take the people of organization grow along.” Blessed by a comprehensive approach to problem solving, Dhaliwal explains that even though he faced “many difficulties” throughout this journey,
he never allowed it to get the better of him. “It is my personal ideology that nothing is impossible and I took those hurdles as a challenge,” he points out.
Baba Farid Group of Institutions has chalked out a 3600 “B evaluation system to test the student’s skill and employability level through a unique ‘Student Assessment and Employability Scorecard’. This along with an Innovative Teaching Methodology gives BFGI an edge in the market.”
162-163
Initiatives & Efforts
all levels and courses ranging from +1 to post graduate level, i.e.,
Guided by the thought of “moving in spite of all hurdles”, BFGI has
management, engineering, sciences and humanities, etc, get practical
chalked out a few unique steps that would give their students an edge over those from other institutes. These steps include a 3600 degree
exposure (hands-on training) even as they earn more than Rs.800 per
evaluation system to evaluate BFGI students’ skill & employability
ease the financial burden of their parents.
day.” Thus, by earning their course fees themselves, students actually
through “Student Assessment and Employability Scorecard”. This
In collaboration with AIESEC, BFGI provides its students a ‘Global
scorecard, which was a result of considerable interaction with the
Internship Programme’ whereby students gain valuable international
industry, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each student. He
experience in more than 100 countries. “Depending on their capabilities,
realized that students are confronted not with unemployment but with
they will be given a chance to work with peer groups from various
‘employability’. Explains Dhaliwal, “Students get only degrees and not
countries and have exposure and practical understanding of their
adequate skills to compete in the global market. The main reason for
cultures, academic systems, economic environment and topography,”
this is the students’ achievements in exams can be evaluated but there
explains Dhaliwal. In 2013, nine BFGI students successfully completed
is no evaluation system for measuring the skill set.”
their internship in China, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam.
Another BFGI programme which is open to all students is the “Earn
Other interesting initiatives are “Live Projects” which are compulsory, in
while Learn Programme” where students work on live projects, research
which students are divided into groups to work on those projects. “Our
projects, consultancy projects and outsourcing projects. “Students from
CSE/IT students have developed web portals for cities like Shimla,
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Key Features Pioneered a unique “Earn while Learn” programme where students work on live projects, research projects, consultancy projects and outsourced projects Compulsary Live Projects give the students both practical exposure and hands-on experience The 360-degree Evaluation System evaluate s the student’s skill & employability through “Student Assessment and Employability Scorecard” Collaborated with AIESEC for “Global Internship Program” which provides opportunities for the students I to gain valuable international experience in more than 100 countrie.
Zirakpur, Ludhiana, Panchkula, etc.
an edge in the market”, feels Mr
And, the biggest IT giant APPLE has
Dhaliwal and that “BFGI is head &
selected
game
shoulders above our competitors in
‘Salvador’, which was developed by
all fields such as teaching, learning,
one
CS
education, research, consultancy,
Department,” says Dhaliwal, with
infrastructure, innovation, student
obvious pride. Furthermore, social
progression,
awareness campaigns, scholarships,
management.”
R&D, and an interactive teaching-
include a well stocked library in
learning process all benefit the
both print and electronic form,
students. “We have assured our
centrally air-conditioned computer
B.Tech and MBA students 100%
labs equipped with latest hardware
placement and we hope to extend
and software, 24*7 Internet facility,
this to all our other students as well,”
state-of-the-art seminar hall &
of
a
3D
our
iPhone student
of
Other
facilities
says Dhaliwal. To achieve this
conference
ambitious
dream,
a
transport services with 125 buses,
100% Placement Guarantee
dedicated
team
professional
Innovation Centre for R&D in
of
BFGI
has
rooms
and
Innovative Teaching Methodology
hostels,
trainers who train the students in
collaboration
personality grooming and soft skills,
international
while for technical skills, they have
MICROSOFT, DATA 64, a hi-tech
collaborated with corporate giants
gymnasium, students centre, etc.
such as HP, HCL, Manpower, IBM,
with
various
giants
like
Additionally, BFGI also runs a free
etc. Incidentally, the IT students, as a
24*7
member of the Robotic club of
dedicated to serve the society — for
BFCET bagged the 1st position in
road accident victims as well as a
Indian Achiever’s Award for Education Excellence 2013 (only educational institute in Punjab)
various national level Inter College
mobile library where books are sold
Tech Fests. The students of the group
at ‘no profit no loss’, “to acquaint
“Edupreneur Award, 2013” (Selected among top 100 educational institutes in India)
won the 1st prize in the Tech Fest
the youth with good books and
held at
progressive literature”.
E-gov Campus -- The Government of India has chosen The Baba Farid Group of Institutions as one among 100 e-governance campuses in India
computer
Achievements and Accolades
Mandi, while those of
SkillTree – Education Evangelist of India
ambulance
service
—
a
Mr Dhaliwal who feels that “the
project on live bidding of scrap and
best is yet to come” visualizes his
faulty materials for Jindal Steel
brainchild BFGI as one of the
Group, Delhi.
world’s
science
developed
All such efforts have given BFGI “
164-165
governance
top
100
educational
institutes in the next five years.
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The purpose of education is gaining knowledge, improving skills and above all preparing for the future. Gurmeet Singh Dhaliwal
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Excellence in Higher Education in India. Why? Can India reap the benefits of having 64 percent of its population in the working age group? Perhaps not! Experts are of the view that one of the biggest spoilers of the party is the
India has an opportunity to amplify its economic growth by intensive
lack of excellence in India’s higher education system, which will then
exploration of the power of its human capital. The youngest country in
jeopardize India’s opportunity of reaping the benefits of being the
the world has got only a decade to reap the benefits of having 64 percent
youngest country in the world.
of its population in the working age group. However, posing a serious threat to India’s ability to reap the benefits is one enormous challengelack of excellence in India’s higher education system, which fuels the economic growth and innovation. While India’s higher education system has scored well on quantity, it is in complete doldrums when it comes to its quality at the global level. There are alarming regional imbalances in the provision of higher education. Quality colleges and universities in small town and rural India remain a far cry. At the same time, the quality of education being imparted in existing institutes lacks quality. Compounding these systemic deficiencies are the weaknesses in the attitude of pupil and the teacher to focus on excellence. It is this urgent need of channelizing efforts on excellence orientation that catalyzed the inception of Institutional Excellence Forum, with a single-point agenda “EXCELLENCE” (Identify, Develop and Celebrate). Driven by passionate leaders from the worlds of academia and industry,
“It’s a 10 year window at best! If our higher educational institutions do not put Excellence on the Agenda now, we may miss the bus once again!”
IEF is a not-for-profit organization pledged to ideate, invoke and inspire excellence in education. Nine key areas form the core of IEF Excellence initiatives for Higher Educational Institutions in India - Faculty, Student Intake Process, Curriculum & Pedagogy, Research & Innovation, Endowments & Funding, Alumni Relations, Industry Interface, Infrastructure and Effective Leadership. IEF Members are the beneficiaries of all IEF activities in India. From
DR. SANDEEP CHATTERJEE,
international Seminars by thought-leaders, the IEF Excellence Agenda
Registrar, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Conferences & Workshops, the IEF Teaching Excellence Fellowships &
Member , IEF Academic Council
research initiatives, Master Classes with international firms and experts to provide a practical view of excellence tools and methods, the creation
166-167
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“Commitment to excellence requires persistent and consistent continuous quality improvements in all areas of academic excellence, teaching, research as well as outreach requires high performance trained faculty. Limited university research and innovation opportunities, infrastructure upgrades necessary to compete at 21st century global level, industryacademia gap, tired old curriculum and commercialized pedagogical approaches have shortchanged the existing educational system. Benchmarking, using appropriate metrics for raising the bar and marshaling of resource will be the pathway for excellence to the future.”
CHRISTOPHER K. AHOY, APPA FELLOW CEO, Performance Management Consulting, LLC Associate Vice President Emeritus, Iowa State University Member , IEF Academic Council
of India-centric excellence training material, faculty development
vibrant network that is informed and ready to drive excellence in higher
programs, topped with a range of downloadable excellence training and
education.
communication material available on our website.IEF is also in the process of setting up Excellence Chapters across India to create a
Visit www.iefglobal.org
“IEF has firm plans to work with excellence-minded associates from industry, academia, the teaching community, and volunteer communities to get Excellence on India’s agenda.” PROBIR ROY Co-founder and Promoter Director, PayMate Trustee, IEF
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www.skilltreeindia.com