UGC guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary approaches, broadening student’s skill sets and adaptability to various job roles. These courses integrate subjects like history, art, language, philosophy, and sociology, providing a holistic education that cultivates critical thinking, research skills, and creativity shared Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor, Noida International University in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:
National education policy ( Nep 2020) Emphasis the promotion of Indian heritage and culture. Ugc has come up with guidelines for introducing courses based on Indian heritage and culture. will such courses pave the path for better job roles in the future?
The promotion of Indian heritage and culture, as emphasised in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the guidelines introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for related courses, can pave the path for better job roles in the future. These courses offer several benefits that contribute to students & employability and career prospects. The Indian heritage culture makes strong individuals by developing spiritual thoughts along with intellectual thoughts.
Additionally, the UGC guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary approaches, broadening student’s skill sets and adaptability to various job roles. These courses integrate subjects like history, art, language, philosophy, and sociology, providing a holistic education that cultivates critical thinking, research skills, and creativity. These skills are highly valued in the job market and can lead to opportunities in academia, research, media, content creation, and cultural organisations.
Furthermore, the emphasis on Indian heritage and culture aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and responsible tourism, eco-cultural development, and indigenous knowledge systems. These emerging areas offer job prospects for individuals with expertise in Indian heritage and culture, enabling them to contribute to sustainable development and community empowerment.
In conclusion, the courses based on Indian heritage and culture introduced as per the guidelines of NEP 2020 can indeed pave the path for better job roles in the future.
Nurturing a deep understanding of Indian heritage and culture, fostering cross-cultural competencies, and developing multidisciplinary skills enhance graduates, employability and enable them to contribute to sectors that promote and preserve India & rich cultural legacy.
How does an international university support the holistic development of its student beyond academics are there any specific initiatives or programs in place to foster their professional growth.
Noida International University prioritises the holistic development of students by offering various initiatives and programs that extend beyond academics and focus on their professional growth. These initiatives include robust career, internship, and research at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, entrepreneur skills, and innovations.
Professional development workshops, seminars, mentoring sessions, networking events, etc. are organised for the holistic development of the students. The career and placement cell of the University provides guidance, career counseling, resources, and support to help students explore career paths, develop job search skills, and connect with potential employers, etc.
Internships and value-added courses allow students to gain practical work experience, apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and build valuable industry connections. Dedicated entrepreneurship and innovation centers support students interested in entrepreneurship by providing resources, mentorship, and guidance for starting their own businesses.
Mentoring programs pair students with experienced professionals or alumni who offer guidance, advice, and support throughout their career development journey. Networking events and career fairs enable students to expand their professional network, connect with employers, industry experts, and alumni, and explore job opportunities.
Moving towards the digital era, We now have digital universities. What is your take on digital universities?
Digital universities have emerged as a response to the increasing demand for flexible and accessible education in the digital age. These institutions utilise technology to offer online learning experiences, allowing students to pursue their education without the limitations of time and location. The primary advantage of digital universities is the flexibility they provide. Students have the freedom to access course materials, lectures, and assignments at their convenience, enabling them to study at their own pace and balance their education with other commitments. This flexibility is especially advantageous for working professionals, individuals with family responsibilities, or those who prefer a self-paced learning approach.
Digital universities also have the potential to reach a broader audience. Geographical barriers are overcome, as students from anywhere in the world can enroll. This opens opportunities for individuals who may lack access to traditional universities due to distance, financial constraints, or other limitations. Furthermore, digital universities leverage technology to create interactive and engaging learning environments. They incorporate multimedia resources, virtual simulations, and collaborative tools to enhance the educational experience. These technological advancements offer students a more dynamic and immersive journey of learning.
Internationalisation is an important aspect of many universities. Could you talk about the effort made by Noida international university to attract international students and foster a diverse and inclusive campus environment?
To attract international students and foster a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, we provide dedicated faculty members who are here to guide and support us throughout the educational journey. We offer a 50 per cent scholarship for international students, believe in the transformative power of knowledge, and dedicate ourselves to equipping them with the necessary skills and insights for success in their chosen fields. We have established collaborations with 50+ universities across the globe, allowing for an exchange program that enhances the international experience. It is important to remember that your time at the university is not solely focused on academics. It also presents an opportunity for personal growth, forming lifelong friendships, and exploring new interests and passions.
The world education summit had been indigenising transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of this global platform on 4 – 5 July in the New Delhi?
Yes, I am very much excited to be a part of this global platform to share and discuss the new initiative in transforming education. This a great platform to support Education 4.0 India which highlights the solution to strengthen the digital infrastructure for learning in India. This is the right global platform to discuss the building blocks of the education industry which are Curriculum, Content, Capacity, Community, and Digital Infrastructure which can connect the unconnected and can bridge the gap between education 4.0 and Industry Revolution 4.0.
