Founded in 1974, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has over 46 different Departments & Centres organized in 12 schools of study, with over 400 faculties and 5000 students.
Building the Best Institution
The difference between the best institute and the rest is not necessarily based on money, but it depends on how seriously people take their jobs. I have had the privilege of working in some of the best institutes in India, such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai and now University of Hyderabad (UoH) and I have come to believe that these institutions are very serious about what they do, they are serious about their research and teachings.
Students across institutes are the same when they join, but it is the difference that the faculty brings in them that is important. The difference that the faculty brings about in terms of the change in their thinking, the change in life of the student- that is considerable. And that is also what separates the best from the rest.
Giving the Students Paramount Opportunities
We get some of the finest students who are brilliant academically and want to make a mark in academics and research in various streams. Universities like ours, which have state-of-the-art infrastructure and outstanding faculty, are the perfect abode for students to grow academically and become brilliant researchers. The students also have the liberty to showcase their talent through various extra-curricular activities that take place on the campus, giving them a well rounded development.
At the UoH, our main aim is to prepare leading researchers in all areas of the science, social sciences and humanities. We also want our students to excel in all fields which are sought after by most of the organizations while hiring new people. Good communication skills, inter-personal skills, team play, leadership qualities and many more. The various extra-curricular activities on the campus like organizing debates, and seminars along with other such activities in addition to the regular curriculum, helps the students to perform better in both academics and career. We are well on our way to create well rounded professionals who can adapt to the real corporate world with an ease.
Winds of Change in Education
Now-a-days more and more students are opting for courses which can get them good placements and build their professional lives. However the last academic year saw several seats vacant in the engineering colleges of Andhra Pradesh, which gives an indication that BE/B.Tech may not be the only benchmark over other courses. These are new trends developing in India and will change the way education is looked at today.
Another common trend seen these days is that students prefer to move abroad for their higher studies. It is the career choice and family/peer pressure which also have a bearing on the student preferring to go abroad for higher studies. The student feels that if he/she is educated abroad then they have a better opportunity of getting an employment there which is more lucrative and help them grow faster. Such a trend is adversely affecting our country and we must find measures to cure brain drain from India.
Building Tomorrow's Leaders
I also believe that a country requires entrepreneurs. India is in desperate need of both innovation and the development of products that will improve the lives of our citizens. We hope that some of our students will take the entrepreneurial route. Only those who have experienced life here and are aware of the problems faced by the fellow citizens can be inspired to contribute in these areas, whether by starting businesses or by adopting new practices.
I would advice my students to work hard and be sincere in what they do and always keep in touch with the latest developments taking place in their subject and field. Only then, one can do groundbreaking innovation/work. Ultimately, it is all about hard work and dedication. Always remember, there is no shortcut to success!
(The UoH is under the able guidance of Prof. Ramaswamy. Prior to his role at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) he was a part of the faculty at the School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University and was a fellow of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. He has received his PhD in Chemistry from University of Princeton, U.S., in 1978.)
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