Interview by Yash Panchal

Ritu

 

Prof. (Dr.) Ritu Sood is currently working as the Dean, School of Communication at GD Goenka University.

An immensely satisfying experience in the education industry

The education industry is a continuously expanding and evolving sector which brings with it a huge set of opportunities and challenges both. Nevertheless, the personal satisfaction which an individual draws out of this industry is immense. My stint with education industry began after a long, satisfying journey with industry. I have more than three decades of experience working with the Television Industry both Indian as well as International. I have also worked for nearly a decades with NHK-Radio and Television Network of Japan, directing TV serials, documentaries, films for both national and international networks for more than three decades. I also diversified in the field of Academics and conducting workshops on media studies.

As a mentor to students, my focus lays not only in imparting knowledge, attitudes and but also in developing the overall personality of the students. My teaching pedagogy includes going beyond the classroom teaching, exposing students to the real-life situations and preparing them to be future independent and successful media persons in their life’s endeavor.

Challenges that helped in growing, experimenting and innovating

I would say

the opportunities are disguised as challenges at GD Goenka University

A new university which is often thought as a challenge actually proved to be a set of opportunities for me to grow, introduce new courses, experiment with new teaching pedagogies, innovations into the system, which is always open for out-of-box thinking and support new initiatives. We have deviated from traditional BAJMC courses offered by most universities and introduced papers like digital marketing, data journalism, mojo, etc keeping in trend with the prevalent industry practices. Till now, the journey has been quite satisfying.

The vision of being internationally recognized

The vision of GD Goenka University is to build itself as an internationally recognized institution of higher learning through inclusive, innovative and value-based education and research preparing socially responsible citizens. As for the SoC, our main objective is to make it the best Mass Communication college in India, which produces socially responsible media professionals. A school which provides a holistic development to the students and shapes the next generation of media scholar and practitioners and to provide thought leadership on existing and emerging forms of media.

Suggestions for youth and the aspiring students

In my understanding, this generation has far too much exposure to information, this is an immense opportunity and also the biggest challenge for them. The present generation has to maintain the balance between an ethical and aspirational life. The relevance of ethics, social responsibility is one thing which we often talk but seldom practice.

Providing adequate placement opportunities

Both at university and school level, we provide ample opportunities for the students to grow in the industry. Till now, the results have been incredibly satisfying. We, through our industry ties ups, are

continuously endeavoring to get the best placement opportunities for our deserving students.

Establishing a healthy with students

One of the vital recipes to establish a relationship with the students is patience listening, mentoring, supportive , encouragement, motivation and giving them an atmosphere where they can their full potentials.

Plans towards attaining the positions of elite

We already are working towards positioning our institute as a seat of excellence and elite learning. The university boasts of a team of highly-qualified faculty and staff with industry experience, a healthy student-to-faculty ratio, superior research outcomes --which will all help us grow into an elite institute of learning.

Views on building a positive school culture

Through positive and uplifting leadership, making sure everyone is part of the team and mutual respect, in fact, mutual respect is key to opening all doors for conversation, understanding, discipline with our faculty, students and parents. It would also involve showcasing the works of the students.

Digitalized education

Digitization is the present and the future. No sphere is left untouched, and education is not an exception. Innovation and technology in education provide flexibility to the teachers in terms of teaching and for students in term of learning. It provides the remedy to the challenges emerging from the traditional education system.