Oriental University: Gaurav Thakral, Director

Interview by Kritika Gupta

Oriental University

Gaurav Thakral is currently the Director of Oriental University, Indore. His qualification includes B.E in Information Technology and MBA in Finance & Marketing. He has over 5 years of experience in the education industry.

Thoughts on the ever-changing education industry

I always had the vision of transforming India through quality education and research. In the year 2011, we stepped towards realizing this dream by opening Oriental University, Indore. I personally believed that if your country is well educated, then lots of problems solve automatically. As far as my thinking is concerned, education is not essential only for employment and degree, but it is a true foundation and plays a vital role in any country.

I believe that a scientific understanding of learning includes - understanding the processes, learning environments, teaching, sociocultural processes, and many other factors contribute to learning. Research on all of these topics, both in the field and in laboratories, provides the fundamental knowledge base for understanding and implementing changes in education.

Any foreign concept you would like to add in the Indian education system

Having a PG degree from Cardiff University, I feel that our education system must promote innovative and creative thinking. Our system majorly focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than practical knowledge.

The teaching style followed here is more of rote learning. Wherein, it essentially focuses on memorizing things, checking mistakes, proving right or wrong or getting good scores. Whereas, in foreign countries, they believe in improving a student’s skills and what they are learning during their schooling.

Importance of time management skills

Being the Director -Planning & Development, I am fully devoted and passionate for the development of our university. For me, time management plays a vital role in a student’s life or anybody’s life for that matter. Having this skill not only allows you to accomplish more in a shorter period of time but also leads to more career success. With this, it also reduces stress and gives you a lot of free time. In available time, you can do more substantial activities that will add more value to your life.

Top qualities that an aspiring student must possess

According to me, it is essential for the students to have practical exposure. As the competition is increasing, a student should be street smart, have good communication skills, should be creative & innovative, attention to details, should have qualities of a leader etc.

Read more: Oriental University Placement

Contribution of OU to create world class engineering entrepreneurs

The Oriental University Indore has undertaken several initiatives to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in its campus. Our university regularly organises seminar, workshop and guest lectures sessions on entrepreneurship awareness.

These programs are conducted in association with Government Organization like Digital India (Smart India Hackathon-2017-18), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Department of Science and Technology (DST) , Stand-Up India , National Skill Development Mission and MSME, Govt. of India.

We are engaging our students with academia, industry, investors, small and big entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations to the most underserved sections of society.

Ways to establish world class education at Oriental University

Our University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. It provides student and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth. The curriculum is industry-specific and bridges up the gap between the regular university curriculum and extremely demanding requirements.

Salient Features of OUI

Oriental Group is one of the top names in education industry at Central India since 1995. We have a proven education system for training delivery and focusing on Academia-Industry collaboration for better placement of our students. Education is all about creating an ambience of academic freedom, where bright minds meet, discover and learn.

After having established Nine professional colleges (Five Engineering, One Advanced Computer Application, Two Pharmacy and One Management studies) the ORIENTAL GROUP, recognized as a premier educational group of Central India and enjoying national ranking, the Founders of Devi Shakuntala Thakral Charitable Foundation, have setup ORIENTAL UNIVERSITY, established by an Act of Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha under Section 2f of UGC Act, 1956.

Oriental University is the first Private University in Indore. It is spread over 100 acres of lush green sprawling campus on Indore-Ujjain highway near international airport and new proposed railway station. Currently, the University’s exquisite infrastructure houses spacious classrooms with latest teaching aids, well-equipped laboratories and workshops.