“IN THE present times, universities are not places where you enter to be awarded a degree that will help you get a job. Today, they are institutions which are being challenged everyday - to reinvent, to innovate as today’s student is not looking for textbook education. He is seeking novelty, originality, exposure to industries, entrepreneurship, global opportunities. And well, the requirement doesn’t stop here - what the student also wants is an atmosphere where his emotional wellbeing is taken care of, and he is imparted lessons in confidence as well so that he is ready to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” states Dr Rajesh Pande,Vice-Chancellor of Rambdeobaba University (RBU), who in a candid conversation with Vikas Vaidya, Principal Correspondent The Hitavada, on The Hitavada’s The People’s Mic podcastclearly spells out the rapid transformation that has taken place in the education scenario within the last few years.

 

Dr Pande’s journey that spans more than three decades - as an academician, researcher, mentor and administrator - mirrors the evolution of Indian education. And, today after having personally seen generations of students pass through classrooms, he can aver that “education has transformed from conventional teaching to holistic talent development where students are looking for an ecosystem and not just an institution.” His vision, his acumen and his contributions have played a great role in the evolution of Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management (RCOEM) into a full-fledged University that attracts students from all over the country, and even abroad, and enjoys a high ranking in private college surveys. “The transition into a University marked a new chapter and this has brought greater freedom, bigger ambitions, and naturally greater expectations - both from students and parents,” says Dr Pande. During this transition, great care was taken to ensure that the principles laid down by the founder, Mr Banwarilal Purohit, were not diluted. “It was in 1984 that Mr Banwarilal Purohit laid the foundation of the college, the concept of which was to impart quality education with ethical values. The seeds were sown then, and those associated with the University are carrying this legacy forward even today.

 

The ecosystem developed by Purohitji of imbibing culture and values forms the core of this institution,” states Dr Pande, fondly recalling how this has played a role in his journey as well. When talking of higher education, the conversation naturally veers towards employability. Parents and students, while researching for colleges of their choice, more often than not, look for the placements. “This is where our University scores big time,” says Dr Pande, adding, “Because our students today have access to broader academic choices, specialisations that extend well beyond traditional engineering disciplines and innovative methods of teaching, they are not only technically sound, but have an edge, confidence, purpose and courage to adapt to an uncertain future. That is how capable we make them.”

 

To help maximum number of students, RBU has introduced many new options where the thrust is on Innovation Economy, where research is encouraged, “because technology is the driver of change. These changes are for the benefit of our students.” Keeping in sync with world class universities, RBU, under his able leadership, and with complete support from the management, believes in investing in personality development, leadership training, internships and industry projects. “Learning is not relegated to classrooms and textbooks. It is practical oriented, and happens in labs, workshops, hackathons, start up cells and interacting in real time with entrepreneurs, backed back by industries and government support,” he states. He cites the connect with industry giants like SAP and IBM which are involved directly with programmes of the University. “Education, in the present times, can go no longer operate in isolation from the realities of industry, technology, and society. RBU, after its transition to University status offers more flexibility, interdisciplinary learning and research-driven education,” he explains.

 

As the college has transformed into a University, the institution has only grown. But this has brought about certain challenges too. “Parents ask about affordability, and are sometimes sceptical about the fee structure. It’s a fair question, but you have to look at the bigger picture. When the University’s stress is on quality education, it means investing in infrastructure, technology, research facilities, industry collaborations and student support systems - all these factors come into play. We are giving them the best - the challenge lies in striking the right balance between accessibility and excellence.” Commenting on how learning has changed over the years, Dr Pande states, “Learning is a continuously evolving process of improving in all segments, and how to learn is more important than what is taught. In this fast changing world of education too, the one who wins is the one who is adept at self-learning. The most important skill set is the ability to learn, and words like unlearn, relearn, upskilling, reskilling are no longer mere words - they are important for the sustainable growth of a student.”

 

RBU has not only introduced many new programmes but have made the entire mentor -mentee and the communication between student and faculty more cohesive. “At RBU, we are a family, and our aim is to help each one achieve his/her dream.” Another question that naturally arises is about scale. With student intake increasing significantly over the years, can quality be maintained? Can personal attention continue? Can the learning experience remain meaningful? To all these questions, Dr Pande answers in the affirmative. “Our statistics speak for themselves,” he states proudly, adding that each student at RBU receives meaningful academic and professional guidance. Dr Pande is understandably proud of the innovation that has happening at RBU under the many Schools that have been introduced offering many new courses. “Innovation starts when fear of failure ends. Our approach today is that in a student’s life, failures are mandatory, for he learns from his mistakes. We give students the liberty to fail, try again, and come up with multiple solutions for a problem.” He cites the example of Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman Solar Group whose vision and innovative approach have led to the tremendous success of solar industry led by him. In the present times, digital technology is the primary technology. And because of the continuous evolving nature, business modules have changed, disruptions have happened, and because of all this there has been a profound implication on the Indian education system. Rote learning has given way to conceptual learning, and today’s student is brilliant because he has the ability to grasp and adapt to this change. On a lighter note, he shares that today’s faculty learns from students.

 

“The faculty needs to be in sync with the needs of the students’ and we at RBU are constantly interacting and learning from our students,” he stated. As Dr Rajesh Pande continues to lead Ramdeobaba University through this period of transformation, one gets the sense that the institution’s vision extends beyond producing engineers or professionals. The larger goal appears to be creating individuals who are prepared not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of learning. And maybe that is the true measure of a University. Not how many students enter its gates But how different they are when they walk out of them four years later. There is infinite scope, innumerable opportunities and sky is the limit for the students. “RBU gives them the platform for all this,” Dr Pande states. For more on RBU’s inclusiveness policy, RGSTC scheme that has greatly benefited the students, the seed money of nearly Rs 1 crore that has been spent for the promotion of start-ups, the induction of NVIDIA - DGXB200 - AI supercomputer that is the first in Central India which will bring about an unprecedented transformation in the learning and innovative approach of the students, follow Dr Rajesh Pande’s podcast on our YouTube channel @TheHitavada1911.