Promoting critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning for better results

Dr Neel Kamal Chapagain is the Director, Center of Heritage Management and an associate professor at Ahmedabad University. He is also an executive member for the Association of Critical Heritage Studies (ACHS) and Asian Academy of Heritage Management (AAHM). 

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Learning every day and helping others with the same”

My academic career is built on the philosophy of collaborative learning with students and members of various communities. Hence it is very appealing for me to be in this sector and keep learning while hopefully contributing to others’ learning as well.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

“An inclusive approach”

I believe in a leadership that empowers its team and builds a collaborative culture. I consider it my responsibility to keep my team motivated at every step. Promoting values and ethics is as important as promoting the importance of productivity. Heritage and education are sectors where I believe such leadership matters.

How do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your school?

“Making the students take responsibility for themselves”

Our strategies primarily revolve around the need for sharing information and seeking collaborations. Our students also contribute to the academic journey for which they join us. Hence they are responsible for their learning and our role is to facilitate that. Both the marketing and administration follow this strategy.

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In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your programme?

“The philosophy is to nurture each individual’s interest area and individual strength”

Masters in Heritage Management at Ahmedabad University is unique in two ways. Even though it is offered in India, the pedagogy and philosophy of this programme are of international repute. It is leading the way in re-shaping heritage-related theories and practices. Students will develop critical thinking about heritage while building skills and strategies for holistic management of diverse heritage resources. 

How does the heritage management curriculum of Ahmedabad University ensure the best practice of industry?

“Keeps us in sync with the global standards”

We have been active members of heritage management educational networks in the Asia Pacific region. We are on the executive board of two higher education networks promoted by UNESCO’s Asia Pacific regional office. This is an advantageous position that our programme has. We are not only able to contribute to setting an international standard but also our active involvement in such networks ensures that our curriculum matches such international expectations.

Any insights into how your programme could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“We have kept our program open to all”

Our programme is founded on the philosophy of peer learning through a multidisciplinary class every year. That practically means that it is open for students from any discipline, any cultural or geographical background. Those with economic hardship may avail the financial assistance programme that Ahmedabad University has.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the University and the students are?

“Being a lifelong mentor to those under my guidance”

My primary drive here is to awaken students to the vast world of heritage. My role is to inculcate in them critical thinking about heritage while also guiding them towards acquiring sensitive and apt managerial skills required in diverse sectors within the broad domain of heritage. In short, my role to students is that of a mentor who is there to support them not only during their study but also in years after graduation.

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When you first came to Ahmedabad University, what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

“To develop as a team”

I joined Ahmedabad University to help and re-shape the professional practices around the diverse threads of heritage. I have been successful to some extent in developing programmes and activities. I think it is only going to grow in the future, not just for me but all faculty and students who become part of this programme.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for Ahmedabad University College specifically?

“We must stop viewing education only as a means of earning money”

Education is a societal challenge today. The biggest challenge in my opinion is to ensure that our society in general sees the higher value of education. Society should view education as a medium to liberation, development and not just employability. We need to work with society to ensure that we perceive education for its higher potential and not limit ourselves to aiming for anything less.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Identify what you are good at and work on it”

Please pursue education as your growing process, and recognise how you can learn better. Each one of us may have a different way of learning, different areas of interest and certainly unique potentials. 

How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in your institute/ university?

“A give and take relation with the society”

Our programme has frequent engagements with a society which work both ways. It contributes to students' learning but it also contributes back to the society wherever relevant. This keeps our relationship active and healthy.

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