What are the major challenges do you find in Indian Higher Education? How can we overcome?
The major challenge for Indian Higher Education is find a way to be pioneers rather than catcher-uppers in equipping the students with the confidence to be original and creative in whatever field they choose to pursue. The main way to overcome, or aid this would be to instil confidence in students to explore, to be curious, to take chances rather than following the herd.
No Indian university was spotted in top 100 prestigious QS global rankings 2019. Can Higher Education in India ever be world-class?
Indian education is already world-class – look at the number of Indian origin CEOs heading leading global institutions! However, the need of the hour is to make that a norm rather than an exception. This can be done, in my opinion, by encouraging risk-taking and deep understanding of subjects rather than focusing solely on learning by rote and exam-focussed studies.
How can the current higher education system overcome the shortage of quality teachers?
Finding quality employees is an issue not just with education, but with all institutions. I think what would be immensely helpful is if the schools really invest in talent identification and their continuous education and up gradation of skills. Teacher training should be as high a priority for schools as is education of its pupils.
What factors should students consider while selecting a course for higher education?
I believe, first and foremost should be passion or aptitude. If you have passion for something, you will find a way of making things work no matter the circumstances. However, if they are pushed into selecting the latest in-thing, they will succeed, but against odds and forever feeling like fish in a sky full of birds. Parents and educators have a very key role to play to encourage them in right path.
What is your message for students.
In the words oft repeated – fail often, fail fast! Or to transcribe this, try a lot of different things and spend time identifying your passion and aptitude. This will serve you not just in studies but the whole of your life.
Is there anything else you would like to talk about?
These days, learning is not just restricted to schools and is not just the responsibility of your teachers. The internet is a great equaliser – use this resource to explore and educate yourself about what appeals to you and identify your strengths and challenges before you come to a stage where you have to make a choice about what you want to pursue. And remember, the world is your oyster!