Courage & Conviction Are Keys To Success, Says JNU VC
What has been the greatest challenge in your educational career? What gave you the strength to respond to it?
The greatest challenge was when I completed the XII standard in science stream and had a medical seat in hand; in those times, brilliant students in Tamil Nadu naturally aspired to be doctors or engineers. Though I performed very well in the examination, I had a fascination for history and political science. Many in my circles thought I was committing hara-kiri. I could convince my father, who trusted me, but with a stark warning: a doctor with 35 per cent is a doctor, whereas one has to be a topper in social sciences; otherwise, no one will notice me. My courage and conviction, my father’s unstinting support and my ability to work hard were the keys to my success. Always follow your dreams with conviction. There are no shortcuts to success. The mantra is simple: hard work, hard work and more hard work.
In a recent development, NAAC has instructed a new grading system for higher education institutes across India. Your comments on the new binary system of accreditation.
The new binary system of accreditation draft has been circulated and suggestions have been invited. NAAC is conducting consultations with all stakeholders transparently and democratically. The binary process is welcome as it minimises corruption and data fudging through continuous assessment. This new approach is a progressive development. There needs to be certain sensitives to public higher education institutions as they contribute to bridging social and economic disparities. The state subsidises these institutions to fulfill the constitutional commitments and guarantees of equity and social justice.
How significant do you believe is to promote Indian languages as medium of teaching?
All the Indian languages need to be taught, especially in primary school. Mother tongue is important for the holistic development of the child. At the same time, multilingualism must be encouraged in a culturally diverse country like ours for all. One language cannot be imposed in a country like India due to its commitment to diversity and pluralism.
How do you look at the education sector transforming in the next couple of decades, with special reference to the higher education scenario? Any predictions for future of education.
The education sector can be transformed only through better infrastructure. Public institutions will transform only through better infrastructure development. State investment in education will have to rise as more will enter in the coming decades. Private donations to public universities need to rise, especially corporates who must raise their investments and contributions to public universities. STEM subjects need to be holistically blended with social sciences, humanities and languages. Bharatiya narrative architecture will be identified, constructed and imparted.
