. The payment of the application fee can be made until January 3, 2025. Additionally, applicants will have the opportunity to make corrections to their application forms from January 4 to January 5, 2025.](https://highereducationplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Beige-Black-Modern-Professional-Fashion-Photographers-Facebook-Cover-1-360x180.jpg)
In this exclusive interview with Brainfeed Higher Education Plus, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Lakshmi Mohan, the Pro Vice Chancellor of ITM Skills University and Director of ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai. With over 24 years of experience in teaching, training, and institutional leadership, Dr. Lakshmi has made significant strides in the education sector. Her impressive career spans roles in both academia and the corporate world, including leadership positions at Elbee, DHM, Times, and ICFAI. A highly decorated professional, she has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to education and society. In this conversation, she shares her insights on leadership, education, and the power of a growth mindset in shaping the future of higher education.
Q. As the Pro Vice Chancellor of ITM Skills University and Director of ITM Business School, what are the key strategies you use to ensure academic excellence and institutional growth?
Academic excellence and institutional growth are paramount for ITM Skills University, as we value every student’s success, societal transformation, and the reputation and sustainability we build for ourselves as an institution. To achieve this, we follow a student-centric approach, which includes project-based and active learning, as well as personalized learning paths. We create a supportive learning environment by fostering a culture of inquiry and collaboration, while also ensuring that the campus ambiance promotes an inclusive and positive experience. Additionally, we offer student engagement activities through clubs, forums, and extracurricular activities that encourage overall development. A key part of our strategy is developing a progressive pool of faculty professionals who genuinely care for our students.
We have also established centres of excellence in various fields such as research, policy studies, mental health and wellness, and sustainability, providing real-time learning avenues for our students. Innovation is encouraged through our entrepreneurship cell and incubation centre. At ISU, we prioritize fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus environment that values diversity and respect. Industry collaborations are critical for us, as we embed five-month internships into our curriculum, offering students practical experience alongside academic learning. Furthermore, engaging our alumni for mentorship and career guidance is a crucial component of our approach. We leverage technology by making optimum use of resources and judiciously incorporating AI tools into our teaching and administrative practices. Lastly, our NGO Internship program helps students contribute to the social development of underprivileged communities, providing them with a holistic learning experience.
Q. With ITM Skills University focusing on skill development, how do you integrate industry requirements into academic curricula?
To ensure that our students are well-prepared for the dynamic workplace, we integrate industry requirements into the curriculum in several ways. We have a Board of Advisors, composed of senior industry professionals, who provide valuable insights into current industry trends and skill requirements. We invite industry experts to conduct guest sessions and workshops, where they share their experiences and practical knowledge with our students. Through collaborations with companies, we offer live projects and internships that give students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. We also emphasize developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and digital literacy, which are highly valued by employers.
Our curriculum incorporates case studies, simulations, and role-playing exercises to enhance experiential learning and skill-building. To further enhance employability, we offer industry-recognized certifications that add value to our students’ qualifications. These strategies help bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our students are well-equipped with the necessary skills for their careers.
Q. How do you envision the future of education, particularly in terms of the balance between traditional and skill-based learning?
The future of education is on the cusp of a dynamic transformation, shaped by technological advancements and evolving societal needs. I envision a balanced approach that maximizes the strengths of both traditional and skill-based learning. While technology continues to reshape education, the core principles of traditional learning, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, remain indispensable. These skills are foundational for building essential life skills and preparing students for challenges both in and outside of the workplace.
Skill-based learning is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and adaptability. The real-world application of knowledge has become increasingly important in today’s job market, which is why we integrate live projects, industry internships, and social internships into our curricula. These initiatives encourage students to think outside the box, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. At ISU, we have crafted a balanced approach by integrating traditional subjects, such as the Indian Knowledge System, with practical skills. We also engage students in project-based learning, including capstone and internship projects, that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Furthermore, we offer self-paced programs and personalized learning experiences to cater to different learning styles, while providing mentoring and coaching by alumni, industry professionals, and faculty experts to guide students through their academic and career paths.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring educators and leaders in higher education?
Education is a noble profession, and if one aspires to be an educator, they must be passionate about inspiring students. Empathy, understanding, and connecting with students are key components of effective teaching. An educator must be a lifelong learner, committed to personal and professional development. It is essential to adapt to the changing dynamics of society and industry, especially as technology becomes a significant game-changer in education. Every educator should embrace technology and use it to enhance the learning experience for their students and contribute to the growth of the institution.
Q. What is your vision for ITM Skills University and ITM Business School in the next 5–10 years?
My vision for ITM Skills University and ITM Business School in the next 5-10 years is to create a supportive environment for innovation and continuous improvement through education. We aim to develop students into competent, ethical, and socially responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society. We aspire to be the university of choice for students, employers, and employees. Additionally, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and all our stakeholders.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in education and leadership?
My inclination to help fellow students and juniors began at a young age, and I enjoyed playing my part as a teacher. The inspiration to pursue a career in education and leadership grew from there. Throughout my journey, I have remained a continuous learner, always seeking ways to become a better facilitator and leader. I am fortunate to have been nurtured by excellent teachers and senior educationists who served as mentors, guiding me along the way. I believe mentoring plays a critical role in shaping one’s career, and I am blessed to have had the right mentors to help me in my leadership journey.
Q. Having spoken at 94 forums and authored 34 articles, which topics are closest to your heart, and why?
Many of my forums and articles focus on making education meaningful. Some of the most interesting topics I have discussed include the industry-academia interface, developing digital resilience for higher education, and adapting the Indian Knowledge System in education. These topics resonate with my work and stem from my experiences and passion for providing the best educational experience for my students. The most gratifying part is when people reach out to me and share that my ideas made a difference in their institutions and that they plan to implement some of these concepts in their own work.
