Jagannath University

Prof. (Dr.) Vaishali Sharma is the Vice-Chancellor at Jagannath University, Jaipur. She has an experience of 20 years where she has taught and guided graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral program students. She takes keen interest in promoting the value of human and life skills. At Jagannath University, she aims at developing a confident and self-employed generation of young professionals.

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

“To awaken the individuals to their true self”

Education if not based on the fundamental principle of dignity of life and inculcating right values would not serve the purpose of true advancement. As Swami Vivekanand has said, “Education is the manifestation of perfection already in men.” It is most important to have passionate individuals as teachers who can work for the polishing of individuals. Every student needs the right direction and guidance for the domain where they can excel and basic values of life can be taught; this is one of the key factors. Though serving in various key positions increases a lot of strategic and administrative responsibilities, I would always want to be an educator at the core, supporting and guiding youth to bring forth their true potential. The good thing is the changing scenario as the New Education Policy has generated hope for taking up education as all pervasive.

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

“The key is appreciation and encouragement”

I believe that the intent or vision may come from one individual but it can be realised only through the collaborative approach, through the efforts of all concerned. Every effort has its impact and contribution in achieving that vision. A leader must have the heart really big to ignore the flaws to help one’s fellow colleagues realise their unique potential, an eye to recognise the right talent and promote it. The team must have the correct understanding of the goal, its importance in the totality and then they be given the autonomy to do their best for accomplishments. I attest to the words of Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, “True leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed… Leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection”. I find it quite relatable to my style.

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

“Making education accessible even in the remote areas”

Jagannath University’s prime focus is to make the education available to the young aspirants from any section of the society. Initially, we started with various professional programs. However, being accessible even in the remotest parts of the city, B.Sc. Agriculture has become the most sought out program. Agriculture department conducts various activities for the farmers in nearby villages for upgradation of their farming methods and skills. Apart from that the admission incharge, in consultation with the Sarpanch of different villages, conducts skill development sessions for computer proficiency and communication. Students are invited for the campus tour and career counselling sessions are conducted by related domain teachers. The contribution of our alumni is remarkable as they truly prove to be the ambassadors of the University by inspiring many others to take admission in Jagannath University. Jagannath University is the venture of a highly professional and reputed JIMS group having an experience and legacy of more than 25 years so quality education is the mandate. For administering the right practices, in the beginning of the session during orientation programs, the presentation by all the functionaries are given to students and Student Code of Conduct is clearly mentioned in the orientation booklets provided.

How does the curriculum of Jagannath University, Jaipur ensure the best practice of industry?

“A balanced skill set with industry readiness”

Jagannath University, Jaipur being a State Private University, duly approved by UGC has all the autonomy to update and upgrade its curriculum as and when required. Experts from both academia and industry are in the Board of Studies of all departments aiming to update curriculum for holistic development of the students. As the saying goes – ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull guy’, our University majorly offers professional programs which cannot be catered through classroom teaching only. The appropriate skill training is required for all such programs and hence our curriculum involves various co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Though nowadays both parents and students are very keen for placement and package but I personally feel the more focus and emphasis of an education institution should be on enabling the students for right work they can take up. If this is done, being employable would not be a problem.

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

“Ensuring effective delivery of quality teaching and maintaining academic standards”

Being the head of the institution, my priority is to build a congenial environment for the growth and fulfilment of the institution taking everyone along. I believe that it is the job of the leader to guide and direct the individuals in an appropriate manner towards the implementation of their tasks and functions. It also includes facilitating the achievement of both individuals and organisations. Apart from ensuring the provision of academic leadership and strategic vision, the most important aspect is to strategize for the quality of student experience. There are many things that directly or indirectly impact this student experience here in Jagannath University. It is my job to promote a culture of learning that is directed to student needs – organising co-curricular and extracurricular activities for enhancement of various skills, provide proper counselling and mentoring in case of facing any problem or challenge and so forth. All the examinations are conducted as per session calendar and results are declared on time. Suggestions from various stakeholders on regular intervals are taken for betterment and upgradation of the teaching-learning processes and overall experience at the University. 

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What do you think should be the Institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“Valuable tie-ups with international universities for a global recognition”

Since we are into a noble profession which requires practice of ethics and values – the topmost priority is to provide quality education, developing strong, capable and responsible individuals. It is the responsibility of educationalists to produce citizens with civic sense, enabling students with all the requisite skills in their respective domain, successfully catering through skill and value based curriculum. So far we have not done very good in terms of research and innovation so this is one of the top priorities to encourage and engage both staff and students in research based activities. We need to focus more on innovation and start-ups as I too support this campaign of becoming “Atmanirbhar”. University has its Start-up policy in place and ready to promote these activities on the forefront. Another priority is to build a reputation of Jagannath University as quality institution not only in the state but at national level.

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

“Making the faculty ready to deliver education as per the changing scenario”

As you see, challenges are always there and they are always contributive towards growth. Firstly, I feel that in the state of Rajasthan there are more than 100 Universities including Central, State, Deemed-to-be and State Private Universities so it is a big challenge to get the required number of students in all programs. As the scenario is changing rapidly, the demand for traditional programs is once again high and our University offers majorly professional programs so we need to get the pulse of need and demand of aspirants and develop future strategies accordingly. Being a self-financing institution, there are certain issues that need to be addressed for achieving excellence and changing requirements of quality education, also New Education Policy has many things in store. The UGC Quality Mandate has already come up with requirements of quality deliverables but the faculty available is not ready to deliver the same as per the mandate and the ones who are qualified come with high price tags, this becomes one of the biggest challenges. 

What are your learnings from the pandemic and how are you dealing with the situation?

“Reaching out to ones need and creating awareness by putting the resources at use”

Jagannath University, Jaipur has very quickly adapted to the need of the hour as the concern of students has always been the priority for our University. Earlier our teaching – learning process was based on traditional mode but from April itself all the classes were conducted online. Infact the even semester has successfully been completed now and we have started the classes for odd semester through an online interactive platform. During the pandemic our University was acquired as a Quarantine Centre by the district authorities and it was altogether a different learning experience to manage for the same. Under the “Unnat Bharat Abhiyan” campaign of MHRD, Jagannath University, Jaipur, had adopted 5 nearby villages. In those villages, various awareness and developmental activities were conducted time and again. During the pandemic we distributed masks and sanitisers in all these 5 villages and created awareness for effectiveness of social distancing. As this lockdown has taken a toll on mental health of many; the University took the initiative to keep its staff members and public at large aware of coping up with these times. We conducted various webinars and workshops on mental wellbeing in association with Fortis hospitals and Brahmakumaris. University has also been fortunate to invite international experts and speakers through online seminars and conferences conducted for development of both faculty and students which was otherwise difficult in the physical settings. 

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

“Being nonchalant about your goals will lead to stagnation of growth”

Sincerity is the key to everything – if one becomes complacent and casual in one’s approach, it is hardly possible to lead a fulfilling life. Indian Education System is also on the road to reforms through New Education Policy, UGC Quality Mandate and many other initiatives. The ones who are not serious towards their life and career would not be able to make worthwhile lives.

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

“Official bodies to cater to each issue separately”

University is very particular about establishing and creating a healthy environment as it has its own Code of Conduct for all stakeholders in place. Apart from that, University strictly adheres to the UGC Guidelines and has constituted various committees to monitor the same i.e. Anti-Ragging Committee, Women Development Cell (Sensitising for Gender equity), ST/SC Cell, Student Welfare Committee, Alumni Association and many others. All these cells and committees work collaboratively to create a culture of mutual trust, respect and learning in the University.