Edition 55

Engineering institutes are typically geared towards placements and not holistic
development. How do we diversify the culture?
If we look at the examination system, not just in universities, but also in schools, most of it
is based on rote learning. I’m not advocating complete discontinuation of memory-based
questions, as retaining some vital information is necessary. However, a total emphasis on
memory-based education leads to students not really understanding the subject and not
developing critical thinking or analytical abilities, which eventually results in no innovations
taking place. So, the first change required is a change in the way question papers are
set. They need to be set in a way that tests students on how they use the knowledge
they have gained in practical applications. That would improve research, make students
automatically more employable, and enable them to start their own entrepreneurial
journeys and create jobs.
Ranking wise, DTU lags behind international institutions and what do you think can be
done to bridge that gap?
Different agencies have different parameters for ranking, and some of them are not
favourable to us. Two distinct parameters that are not favourable are the number of
international students or faculty in your institution and secondly, the peer review system.
We have a low gross enrolment ratio and need to support our countrymen. We are
more focused on providing higher quality education to our students, and that’s why our
emphasis is not on getting international students or foreign faculties, who have to be given
higher salaries. Further, since we have fewer faculty members from foreign countries, our
institutions are not known to many foreign faculties, so they don’t rate them that well.
However, in terms of the teaching and learning process and the success rate of graduates
in life later or even in terms of research publications, some of our institutions are doing
phenomenally well. But, we lose a majority of marks in these two parameters. However, we
have now started moving in that direction. Measures are now being taken like encouraging
foreign universities to set up campuses in India, our institutions are setting up campuses
abroad, the study in India program inviting international students, and extra seats being
provided for international students in some institutions.
The research culture in our country is flourishing but not uniformly. Some institutions
are doing well, while others are lagging behind. How do we bridge that gap?
I talked about examination reforms earlier, which I believe is the starting point to bridge
the gap. Instead of promoting rote learning, our examinations need to be reformed in a way
that encourages innovation and research. Secondly, a robust support system promoting
research is required in institutions. We assume that research can only be done during
or after a PhD, which is wrong since undergraduate students have produced excellent
research publications provided they are given proper support and guidance. In summer
or winter vacations, students can be involved in research activities. They could be given a
problem statement to ponder and hunt for solutions.
What would be your message to the students of DTU?
My message to students, in general, is that the world is vast, and there are a huge number
of opportunities. Only those who can put in hard work, be passionate and persevere will
succeed in life. Success is inevitable, provided you possess high integrity and diligence.
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