Creating Job Providers, Not Job Seekers

Dr. Anupam Chouksey, Chancellor of Bhopal’s JNCT Professional University and Secretary of the LNCT Group, shares his perspectives on various facets of education, from navigating the complexities of international expansion to leveraging technology in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in an interview with Education Post’s Prabhav Anand. His commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, embracing humanities, and sustaining student well-being reflects a holistic approach to education that transcends boundaries and empowers individuals for the challenges of tomorrow.

Q. Your leadership has overseen remarkable growth within the LNCT Group of Colleges. However, critics may argue that rapid expansion could potentially dilute the quality of education. How do you balance the imperative for growth with the need to maintain high academic standards?

As chancellor of JNCT and Secretary of LNCT Group, I recognize the critical balance between growth and maintaining high academic standards. While our institution has experienced remarkable expansion, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality education. Discipline is an indispensable part of our institutions and still with the changing environment we should never compromise on our policy. 75% attendance is required means it is required. 188+ PhD. Faculties with vast experiences ensure quality education. Investments in infrastructure, faculty development, and continuous quality assurance monitoring mechanisms are prioritized to support high standards. Our student-centric approach, coupled with a focus on student success, guides all expansion efforts, ensuring that the integrity of our educational programs remains uncompromised.

Q. As you strive to obtain deemed university status for LNCT, some sceptics may question the necessity of such a designation in a landscape where traditional universities are already grappling with challenges of governance and accountability. How would you address these concerns, and what distinct advantages do you believe deemed university status would offer LNCT?

Obtaining deemed university status for LNCT is a strategic move that aligns with our long-term vision for academic excellence and institutional growth. While sceptics may question the necessity of such a designation, it’s essential to emphasize the distinct advantages it would offer. Deemed university status would provide LNCT with greater autonomy in curriculum development, admissions, and administrative functions, enabling us to tailor programs to meet the evolving needs of students and industries. Moreover, it would enhance our global recognition and credibility, attracting top faculty and students, fostering research collaborations, and facilitating access to funding opportunities. Addressing concerns about governance and accountability, we are committed to implementing robust internal mechanisms and adhering to regulatory standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in all aspects of our operations. Overall, deemed university status would empower LNCT to elevate its academic offerings, contribute to knowledge creation and dissemination, and serve as a catalyst for innovation and societal impact.

Q. The LNCT Group’s international expansion plans, such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the Kyrgyzstan Government, raise questions about cultural adaptation and academic alignment. How do you intend to navigate the complexities of operating in diverse cultural contexts while ensuring educational quality and relevance?

LNCT Group’s international expansion, including the Memorandum of Understanding with the Kyrgyzstan Government, demands careful attention to cultural adaptation and academic alignment. We navigate these complexities by prioritizing cross-cultural understanding, adapting curricula to local contexts, and fostering intercultural exchange through faculty and student programs. Our goal is to establish sustainable relationships that uphold educational quality while respecting diverse cultural values and needs.

Q. Your innovative policies, such as the dress code and compulsory use of college buses, have garnered attention within the education sector. However, detractors may argue that these measures stifle individual expression and autonomy. How do you respond to these criticisms, and what evidence do you have to support the efficacy of these policies in enhancing the learning environment?

Our innovative policies, like the dress code and mandatory use of college buses, prioritize safety and discipline to enhance the learning environment. The dress code promotes a sense of unity and professionalism among students, minimizing distractions and creating a more focused learning environment. Similarly, mandating the use of college buses enhances safety by reducing the risks associated with commuting by two-wheelers. While critics may argue they restrict individual expression, these measures foster focus, unity, and safety, supporting a conducive atmosphere for learning. After we implemented these policies all other colleges adopted them and they also started dress codes and buses.

Q. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been increased emphasis on digital learning and technology integration in education. How do you envision LNCT leveraging technology to not only adapt to the new normal but also to enhance the overall educational experience for students?

We always leverage technology to adapt new normal post-COVID-19 and enhance the overall educational experience for students. We have integrated digital learning tools for remote education, enhanced classroom teaching with multimedia content and virtual labs, and personalize learning through adaptive systems. This approach ensures flexibility, engagement, and readiness for the challenges of the 21st Century. Our team is capable of grasping and learning new technologies at a faster pace. They have shown this during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We were the first in Lockdown who started our classes online for students within 10 days of lockdown during the pandemic phase.

Q. The intersection of education and economic development is crucial for the progress of any region. How does LNCT contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of Madhya Pradesh, and what strategies are in place to foster entrepreneurship and industry-academia partnerships within the region?

LNCT plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic advancement of Madhya Pradesh by fostering entrepreneurship and nurturing industry-academia partnerships. Our contribution begins with equipping students with practical skills and knowledge aligned with industry demands, thus enhancing their employability and bolstering the skilled workforce of the region. We have 2 state-of-the-art Incubation Center (KLIC & AIIC) funded by LNCT Group management with INR 1 Crore initially to provide a 360-degree platform for budding entrepreneurs. These Incubation centres work from the initial Ideation to registering the start-up and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs under one roof/platform.

KLIC & AIIC is promoted to support Atmanirbhar Bharat, which is acting as a catalyst for Central India start-up and entrepreneur ecosystem, primary objective of KLIC is to create a start-up ecosystem and familiarize the visionary brains with the business aspects of an idea and provide them with a platform with necessary resources, culture, opportunities, and amenities to grow their start-up units into business enterprises.

Other than this, we implement various strategies, including integrating industry-relevant projects and internships into the curriculum, providing robust entrepreneurship development programs, and offering incubation support for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, we actively cultivate collaborations with local industries, chambers of commerce, and government bodies to identify skill gaps, promote innovation, and collectively address socio-economic challenges.

Through these concerted efforts, LNCT endeavours to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Madhya Pradesh.

As of date, we have already registered more than 200 Startups and they are working fine and are on a growth path. Some of the start-ups have extracted very good funding from investors, are growing and they have provided jobs to many students as well. Our Chairman Sh. J.N. Chouksey always used to say “Naukri dene wale bano, lene wale nahi”. Now his vision is taking shape with KLIC & AIIC.

Q. Your recognition as a “Covid Hero” underscores the importance of leadership during crises. Can you elaborate on some of the key initiatives undertaken by LNCT to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on students’ education and well-being, and how do you plan to sustain these efforts in the postpandemic era?

LNCT has undertaken several key initiatives to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on students’ education and well-being. As I already stated that, within 10 days of lockdown, we swiftly transitioned to online learning, ensuring continuity of education through virtual classrooms and digital resources. Additionally, we provided mental health support and counselling services to students facing emotional challenges during these unprecedented times. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic era, we plan to sustain these efforts by continuing to offer flexible learning options that blend online and offline modalities, enhancing support services for student well-being, and investing in digital infrastructure and training to adapt to evolving educational needs. By remaining agile and responsive to emerging challenges, LNCT is committed to ensuring a resilient and enriching educational experience for all students, both during and beyond the pandemic.

Q. The humanities and arts are often overshadowed by the emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. How does LNCT incorporate humanities and arts education into its curriculum, and what value do you believe these disciplines add to the holistic development of students?

LNCT recognizes the importance of humanities and arts education alongside STEM disciplines. We incorporate humanities and arts education into our curriculum through interdisciplinary approaches, elective courses, and extracurricular activities. Students have opportunities to study subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, and visual and performing arts, fostering critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and cultural appreciation. These disciplines complement STEM education by nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of understanding complex societal issues, communicating effectively, and innovating ethically. Moreover, they cultivate skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability, which are essential for success in diverse career paths and contribute to the holistic development of students as responsible global citizens.