Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Rajasthan Edu Fest at Jaipur!

Education is undoubtedly one of the most precious instruments for social transformation that has astounding impacts on growth and development of the country as well as for the future course of the country’s population. It opens up opportunities leading to the enhancement of both individuals and group potentials. Improvement in education should not only be defined to enhance efficiency but also augment the overall quality of life within society.
During the last decade of the twentieth century, significant changes noticed in Indian higher education includes innovations in curricular design, pedagogy and examination reforms. These changes were propelled by several developments. Such noticeable changes provided the momentum to enable higher education to make unprecedented strides in India and across globe. Educational leaders debate whether these changes are primarily additive and limited to small scale programmatic innovations or truly transformative for institutions of higher learning and education. Nonetheless, there is widespread agreement that there is a dire need for aligning competencies desired by the industry and scholastic and co-scholastic acumen of students via academic courses/programmes.

Last two decades witnessed significant positive turmoil in terms of growth of higher education institutions to cater professional/ technical learning needs of a large number of secondary school pass outs through tertiary level institutions. Though more than half of school passed out students are delinked from further learning and a majority of students who have passed out and took up further studies either become unemployed or partly employed; while a few of them become employed. Two questions rightly pop up in this context — How do we educate our students at school level especially in secondary and senior secondary stage? Do schools succeed in preparing students towards tertiary level learning (i.e., more towards quality learning, teaching and research) so that we submit more nominations towards coveted Nobel Prize at global level? If so, how it is scientific and contemporary? Except few institutions at national level, majority are not able to shine in one discipline while global universities have succeeded in a basket of disciplines and have become exemplary in transdisciplinary researches.
Innovative curriculum is critical for national development and more so with developing and under developed countries in the current era of globalisation. Research not only helps in extending existing knowledge but also helps in drawing solutions to problems associated with society. Universities are potential institutions for maximizing social transformations through research and development. In order to join global knowledge society and compete in knowledge economies, universities play crucial role in low and middle income countries. Despite of inter and intra institutional differences, universities are greater and stronger platforms for formulating policies relating to science, technology, research, innovation and development activities.

In the era of cutting edge technologies, design and implementation of technology development programmes, societal interventions through Science and technology have become absolute for which universities deemed suitable for our nation. Universities play exemplary role model in international cooperation and collaborations. In the post-globalisation era, excepting a few, almost all nations across globe have been experiencing similar kind of problems that have become critical. Lack of stability in economy, political instability, social atrocities, lifestyle, pace and quality of human development, low per capita income are some of crucial issues that are assumed to be dealt firmly by research and innovation in varsities across country. To compete in sophisticated knowledge economies, our nation should strive further in research and development for which we need to extend our knowledge and insights in many directions because of which universities, besides teaching, must be enable to create research culture.
The Rajasthan Festival of Education at Jaipur will enhance opportunities in education sector and improve the quality of existing system in Rajasthan. The festival will indeed be a landmark in bringing think tanks and stalwarts into a single platform toward cause of educational development in the State of Rajasthan and adjoining states. I thank and wish the organising team members to be proactive in making this fest a special event and continue in maintaining it for all times to come.

Sangam University finds its roots in the Institute of Technology and Management – ITM, Bhilwara, which was established in the year 2003 under the aegis of the same trust. Sangam Group also supports at Bhilwara, Sangam School of Excellence, an International School reputed for its academic excellence and 100 bedded Smt. Kesar Bai Soni Hospital with top class healthcare facilities.
The university is committed to provide an educational competitive environment in tune with the needs of the global markets to create ample job and entrepreneurship opportunities to its students.

Industry Oriented Futuristic Curriculum:
Industry Oriented Education (IOE) is an approach to learning from an industry perspective. It helps the students to become familiar with the latest industry trends and requirements. The problem with the traditional methodology of learning is that there is no close relationship with industry’s ever changing requirements.
In order to make its student globally competitive, Sangam University has developed “Industry Oriented Futuristic Curriculum”. The curriculum not only nurtures students as per the requirements of industry but it also helps them to understand the opportunities in future and to stand against all the expected and unexpected situations in life.

Learning by Doing:
The university supports the innovative ideas and projects of its students. If a student wants to build a car then he/she must be aware about tightening a screw, electric circuits, paint combinations etc. Basically, it is about the approach and we at Sangam University try to inculcate “Learning by Doing” approach among the students. We emphasise more on the practical aspects of a concept along with its theoretical part.
Some of the recent projects developed by our diploma students are bowling machine which enables a batsman to practice (usually in the nets) and to hone their skills. Our students have developed a Stair Climbing Robot which may help disaster relief teams in saving at the time of any natural disaster.
To promote the concept, the university encouraged its student to partipate in various universities conducted by IIM Kolkata, National Stock Exchange Institute and Nirma Institute of Management.

The university is committed to provide an educational competitive environment in tune with the needs of the global markets to create ample job and entrepreneurship opportunities to its students.

Entrepreneurship:
To develop students as not just employees but also as employers, the university has taken following initiatives:
Five entrepreneurship awareness camps have been organised to motivate students of the university along with the students from other universities and colleges in and around Bhilwara District. The camp was funded by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. It was supported by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad.
The university has launched a six month certificate course in entrepreneurship development programme (EDP) from 2017-18 academic session.
An incubation cell has been set up in the university for engineering and management students to discuss ideas and to conduct market research to establish a startup.

Alumni Connect:
In this rapidly changing world of technology, it is essential that the institutions and their alumni remain in constant interaction with each other to derive full benefits through constructive and informative feedback from the professional field. Sangam University connects its alumni through alumni meet, current student and alumni interactions and Entrepreneurship awareness camps.

Awards and recognitions:
The university for its efforts to impart quality higher education to its students is awarded with Engineering Watch Campus Preparedness Award and Times Education Achievers Award 2016 for Promoting Education.

Shri JJT University was established as part of giving back to the society by the trustees who hailed from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. In pursuit of an endeavour to generate employment, they invested in the human resources development infrastructure, establishing a university spread over 30-acre area, says Dr Vinod Tibrewala, Chairperson, Shri JJT University in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

What is the vision of JJT University?
Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala, or Shri JJT University was established in 2006 in Rajasthan, as a vibrant knowledge centre to offer quality education in the Shekhawati region of the State. Its vision is to transform the institution into a centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension education. It has also been envisaged to bring out conservation, creation, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in public domain. JJT University aspires to mould and groom leaders in the field of technology, science, management, pharmacy and social science by providing quality education and research.
The university was established with a commitment to make an affordable higher education available at the doorstep of all those who are deprived of quality education. JJT University is committed to offer object-oriented modular education with practical exposure considering the current educational scenario, emerging industrial, business opportunities and researches globally in different areas of science and management.

How has been the journey so far? Are you satisfied with having established an educational institute on your own soil?
In 2004-05, Shri Rajasthan Seva Sangh, a public charitable trust promoted by Pravasi Rajasthanis in Mumbai, met the then Rajasthan Chief Minister Smt Vasundhara Raje in Mumbai. The Chief Minister appealed to the illustrious businessmen and accomplished Pravasi Rajasthanis to promote and invest heavily in the education system of Rajasthan. She reminded them it’s time to give back to their roots, urging them to contribute in the educational and economic infrastructure of the State. The Rajasthan Seva Sangh immediately accepted the proposal and agreed to participate in developing educational facilities in the State.
The trust, having an exposure of running several schools, junior colleges and degree colleges under Mumbai University, now decided to establish a University for Higher Education to help the overall progress and economic development of new generation. Most of the trustees of Rajasthani Seva Sangh hail from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and have a special affinity with this place of Jhunjujhunu, Churu and Sikar etc.
We are happy that we have established an institute which will help the students, youths and other aspiring generations to study varied topics and pursue their career in diversified domains.
Since the area hitherto lacked noticeable industrial activities, availability of the employable resources began to attract multiple industrial investments in the region. We are happy that the trust has made significant contribution in this segment.

This academic project (university) has helped dissemination of knowledge and ensured cutting edge quality education available at the doorsteps in the hinterland. JJTU has now taken up the cause of making Rajasthan a No. 1 state in education.

What are the latest academic and research activities undertaken by JJT University to improve the teaching-learning process?
Different departments of Shri JJT University conduct various research activities in different domain. In the agriculture department, sensitisation and research projects on organic farming, soil testing, rainwater harvesting, and government schemes for farmers, how to use agriculture waste and exportoriented projects are taught. The Agriculture Research Department has also developed Ajola grass for milking cows and animals.
The trust has established a 300-bedded RLJT Hospital for the health care of locals and other residents as well. Our renewable energy department developed a ‘Solar-Baggi’ as an innovative project for our students. We have taken an initiative of putting rooftop 50kw solar on grid system under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s scheme. Our researchers are working on technology shared by BARC Mumbai as biogas, vegetable solar dryer and soil testing kit. Our university is working with scientists, educationists and engineers for the integration of rural development projects.

What are JJTU’s future plans?
Setting up a reputed university was our dream and we have truly accomplished this. Today, the JJTU University has richly contributed to education and tourism infrastructure of the State, besides enriching and empowering the Chudela region of Rajasthan. We have proposed to the progressive and dynamic Government of Rajasthan to declare the vast patch of area under Jhunjhunu and Churu as Rajasthan Educational Zone. This will help Rajasthan to become No.1 State in India. Our Trust also encourages its members to open educational institutes in the memory of their loved ones, and this whole idea can be developed as ‘Knowledge City’ in line of Smart City proposed by the Central Government. It will also give opportunity to locals to find employment, ultimately raising their living standards.

With excellent infrastructure, strong focus on placements and a proper mix of experienced, young and dynamic faculty members, our university is building technocrats and leaders of tomorrow, says Dr Devi Singh, Vice Chancellor, J K Lakshmipat University, Jaipur, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

What is the vision of your university?
The vision of JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) is to encourage a value-based innovative learning environment that engages intellectual, spiritual and moral stimulation to promote holistic personality development and nurture leadership.

What kind of infrastructure related, resource related and technology related facilities are being made available to the university students for boosting their learning capabilities?
JKLU’s sprawling hi-tech 30-acre campus with picturesque surroundings provides a refreshing environment for stimulating intellectual creativity. The lush green and Wi-Fi enabled campus has several amphitheaters, air-conditioned classrooms, conference rooms, a computer centre, a fully automated library, a Management Development Centre and modern sports facilities.
The university has established an E-Cell (Entrepreneurship Cell) for inculcating the entrepreneurial skills among students. Various entrepreneurship colloquiums and seminars on different themes are held regularly. To enrich the students with practical training the university has established 57 high-end laboratories to hone the engineering skills and collaborated with various industries and academic bodies.
The university has signed Memorandum of Understanding with The Hanyang University, South Korea, University of Wales, United Kingdom, St. Cloud State University, U.S.A., Széchenyi István University, Hungary.

JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), Jaipur has partnered with IBM and offers programme in B Tech Computer Science Engineering degree with specialisation in Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Big Data Analytics and Information Security

What are the distinct courses offered by your university? What is its scope as far as career prospects are concerned?
JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), Jaipur has partnered with IBM and offers programme in B Tech Computer Science Engineering degree with specialisation in Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Big Data Analytics and Information Security.
The recent MOU signed with SAP provides enterprise solutions and is one of the largest vendors of ERP to manage business operations and customer relations. The courses will include a beginner’s course, compulsory for all students of JKLU and expert-level optional courses in the field of Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Sales and Distribution Management, Materials Management, Advanced Business Application Engineering.
JKLU has signed MoU with Moody’s Analytics & Edu Edgepro , the joint degree programme with Moody’s Analytics in MBA programme, provides a thorough understanding of practical problemsolving in core areas of Finance and Banking.
JKLU has signed MoU with Confederation of Indian Industry-Institute of Logistics (CIIIL). Under the MoU, an integrated management degree programme with specialisation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is offered to students.

The university has a vision to set up a world class education facility for students pursuing technology, agriculture and livelihood courses, says Brig (Retd) Kartar Singh, Vice Chancellor, Shridhar University, Rajasthan in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN), shares his institutions vision and key achievements along with their unique academic inputs to their students.

What is the vision of your university?
Our vision is to establish a world class education facility for students in technology, agriculture and livelihood courses. Being a rural university, the local students will find a natural environment with robust academic infrastructures to learn and excel. Due to this infrastructure and rural set up, we engage our students in curricular activities in the best possible way.

What kind of infrastructure related, resource related and technology related facilities are made available to the university students to boost their learning capabilities?
Sridhar University has three-fully equipped computer labs with CADD, Virtual lab and system operation software lab. We have 70 acres of green field with 24×7 water, electricity and WIFI connections. The infrastructure also includes 4.75 lakh built up area and excellent hostel accommodation. The project for converting smart classroom is underway. There is sufficient area for games and sports. We are also constructing a separate stadium for students.

Our vision is to establish a world class education facility for students in technology, agriculture and livelihood courses. Being a rural university, the local students will find a natural environment with robust academic infrastructures to learn and excel.

What are the distinct courses offered by your university? What career scope do they offer?
With conventional engineering and technology, legal, basic life sciences and management courses we have special 4-year course B.Sc. – Agriculture. In addition to it, we are now admitting student for Bachelor in Vocational degree.

The university offers good placement opportunities in the State. What kind of training programmes are being offered by the institute to improve students’ prospects of placement?
Our placement record is very high. We offer 100% placement in mining and approx 50% of other courses. Our efforts for placement are increasing. B.Sc (Agriculture) batch has been placed in local areas. Mining and BCA placements are also increasing.

It is must to develop professional competence in students and faculties to use their intrinsic potential for uplift of the society, says Dr Anil Singh, Chairman, Bhagwant Group, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

To make students professionally competent, what strategies are being adopted by Bhagwant University in teaching-learning process?
Bhagwant University, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is a co-educational private university, which emphasises on practical training of students. We encourage students to organise and participate in seminars and workshops. Eminent industry leaders, professionals and esteemed professors are invited to deliberate on latest industry trends and technologies. Technical experts from reputed organisations are employed as senior faculty members to teach and guide students about core subjects, practical training and projects.

Tell us about the academic departments and researches being conducted at the university. Are there any corporate sponsored researches and courses available at the university?
Bhagwant University lays strong emphasis on the sponsored research, collaborative research funded by the national and international agencies. The institute has set up modern laboratories. Faculty members of the institute maintain strong industrial links by undertaking consultancy assignments and run short-term company specific training programmes. To achieve enhanced industrial participation in the engineering education, the institute has taken various initiatives to start the industry sponsored masters degree programmes.

We have 10 branches and I personally believe that the branch of Chemical Engineering, Automobile Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, all of them are distinctly different, unique and advanced at least in the context of Rajasthan.

On what parameters Bhagwant University collaborates with a foreign university to provide better exposure to students?
The Bhagwant University has collaborated with reputed universities like the University of Western Australia, Australia; Gannon University, US; Sheffield Hallam University, UK and Kasetsart University, Thailand. Before any tie up, the core competency of the universities, their quality of labs, their Learning methodologies are being researched. The collaboration is done for progression opportunities of students, semester abroad training programme, student/faculty exchange and for joint research collaboration.

How does the university help its existing faculty members to enhance their skills?
The university has a blend of experienced and young faculty members. Young faculty members are being encouraged to participate in training programmes, seminars and workshops. Under exchange programme, the faculty members visit foreign universities for their global exposure. Our faculties have visited Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; Kasetsart University, Thailand; Nanyang Technical University, Singapore; and University Technologies, Malaysia.