Opposition
22072011_TOIKM_SPA_03_C_M_COL_R1.qxd
7/31/2012
12:11 PM
Page 1
decoding education
THE TIMES OF INDIA, KOLKATA
22 JULY 2011, FRIDAY
3
A CONSUMER CONNECT INITIATIVE
Opposition
Rules TAKING A CUE FROM BESU, WHICH REPLACED THE STUDENT UNION BODY WITH A CENTRE FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION, IT’S TIME INSTITUTIONS NURTURED CREATIVITY RATHER THAN ON-CAMPUS POLITICS. DEBOLINA SEN REPORTS
olitics in West Bengal, which has recently experienced a change in colour, is promising ‘green’er pastures to its people. Education, being one of the major areas that will undergo an overhaul, is geared up for a fresh start. But as far as the age-old practices of politics in colleges and universities are concerned, should there be a new rule in place that will not blur the lines between the two? Can the dispute between students and authority which results in gheraos and class disruptions be checked? The ideal answer to this problem would be to do away with student union bodies. Instead of engaging themselves with student politics, they can be encouraged to nurture a hobby. Agrees Professor Ajoy Kumar Roy, VC, Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur. “Since the student union body in our college has been replaced with Students Centre for Creative Expression, I have not received a single complaint. This
P
was done to get rid of the everyday disturbances and to channelise that very energy towards creative pursuits. I would recommend this to every other institution. But only following this may not be the solution. The authority needs to follow up with strict vigilance over hostel activities to ensure harmony.” Contrary to his belief, some premier institutes believe in keeping the student union active and resolve issues through mediating bodies. According to Professor Pradip Narayan Ghosh, VC, Jadavpur University, “We can’t do away with the student union body because of tradition and their recognition in our statute. Striving to work together and negotiating to curb differences are what we aim at. Gheraos are overnight protests and don’t really hamper classes. We have to admit that they also organise many academic and cultural activities.” While some like to look at the brighter side of things and towards mutual understanding, others think some firm steps are needed at times when it turns out to be a law and order situation. Dr Rajat Ray, dean of students, Jadavpur University, avers, “Though the Supreme Court directive suggests the inclusion of student union body, in times of student unrest the state government and the respective university should come up with a policy to settle matters. Student union body doesn’t obey or consult us always.” Where mediating bodies like the dean of students expect cooperation from the students union, they express discontent over the working of these bodies. Amlan Hazra, member Independent Consolidation (IC), Presidency University, points out, “Even we are students who need to focus on our careers. Thus solving these issues through a mediating body is more than welcome. But more often than not, there are no student representatives in the policy-making bodies leaving our voices unheard.” There are several routes to end commotion in the campuses. Dr Ghosh, registrar, JU feels, “If general students volunteer to voice their protest against gheraos that jeopardises normal classes, then it will help the authorities to take necessary steps.” Supriyo Dasgupta, member TMCP, Heramba Chandra College, admits, “I missed out on two precious academic years which showed in my results. I am for a non-political student body which will meet the grievances of the students and bring about a proper conclusion through amicable negotiation.” But can political influence be done away with so easily? Sarthak Banerjee, TMCP leader, Ashutosh College shares, “To counteract the injustices by the authority a student union is important, though violence should be avoided. If it is a general student forum, then when things shape up against the authority’s likings the entire forum will be replaced. Both parties should be given equal power.”
optionsgalore
Creating Leaders INSPIRED BY VIVEKANANDA’S TEACHINGS, VCE STRIVES TO PRODUCE REAL MANAGERS WHO ARE EQUIPPED TO TAKE ON LIFE mpowerment is the key. Without empowerment, there is no vision, and there is no rightful thinking and action. Without rightful thinking, there is no self-excellence, and therefore no strategic vision or action. Vivekananda College of Empowerment (VCE) has been set up with a unique pedagogy and design. Inspired by the sayings of Swami Vivekananda, the management concept has been internalised into three different worlds; the management student has to visit the inner world, the world of relationship and the world of getting things done. The focus of learning here, is to inspire
E
students to understand what Swami Vivekananda had said — “Let the dead past bury its dead. The infinite future is before you, there is the inspiring hope that the good thoughts and good deeds are ready with the power of a hundred thousand angels to inspire you always and forever. Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.” Students who join BBA and MBA plus PGPM course here, have to go through a rigorous process of theoretical and practical learning, so that they don’t turn into bonsai managers, rather turn into powerful leaders with innovative ideas and speedy action.
Coursing Ahead SWAMI VIVEKANANDA GROUP OF INSTITUTES OFFERS ADVANCED TEACHING AND EXCELLENT FACILITIES IN A NUMBER OF COURSES ith higher secondary exams coming to an end, tension starts building up in the minds of students and their parents, regarding where and what to study. Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutes offers some relief from these worries. The institutes are AICTE approved and affiliated to WBUT and WBSCTE. They are also ISO 2008:9001 certified. Courses like B Tech (ME, ECE, CSE & EEE), polytechnic diploma (CIVIL, ME, EE, ETCE, architecture), MBA, BBA (H), BCA (H), B Sc. microbiology and B Sc biotechnology (H) are taught here. The guidance of two renowned educationists, Dr Asoke Binaykia and Dr Nandan Gupta, is the driving force behind its success. Supported by a highly qualified faculty, students from here graduate looking forward to a promising future. There are advanced laboratories, computer centres, libraries and airy classrooms. The Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutes takes great pride in the students it produces — they are knowledgeable, skilled, and confident. Helping them to find suitable jobs is the duty of the place-
W
ment cell of the SVIST, which has the clear-cut objective of placing all meritorious students before they have completed their course. It undertakes multi-pronged strategies and focused activities such as presentations, industrial visits, printing and circulating placement bulletins with student profiles and encouraging on and off-campus recruitment programmes. A partner of this college, the Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Midnapore, offers an M Sc in biotechnology and biochemistry. SVIMS is already experienced in these courses as its partnering institute as the Burdwan Institute of Management and Computer Science has already been teaching BBA (H), BCA (H), B Sc biotechnology (H), B Sc biochemistry, for a decade. The AICTE-approved and WBSCTE affiliated Shree Ramkrishna Institute of Science and Technology offers Polytechnic Diploma in Civil, ME, EE, ETCE and architecture. The associated college, Regent Education and Research Foundation (RERF), which is also approved by AICTE and affiliated to WBUT, is a B Tech college.
Published for the proprietors, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, by Sk. Md. Ali at 105/7A, S N Banerjee Road, Kolkata-700 014 and printed by him at Times House, Plot no.2, Block- EM, Sector-V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 091,Karuna Age Publications Pvt Ltd.A-44/54, Mancheswar Ind Estate, Bhubaneswar-751 017, Pearl Printwell Ltd., Kumhrar, Patna-800 020, Anubhuti Printers & Publications (P) Ltd, A DEE Tower, Lalmati, Beltola ( NH-37), Guwahati- 781 029 and Neutral Publishing House Ltd, Old H.B. Road, Ranchi-834 001. Editor (Kolkata Market): Bob Roy- responsible for selection of news under PRB Act. Tel no. Kolkata (033) 6639 1400, Response (033) 6639 1600. Fax: (O33) 2282 4996 Bhubaneswar- (0674) 257 1908, Patna (0612) 222 6301, Guwahati (0361) 2456 735 and Ranchi (0651) 2216 384. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
C MY K
7/31/2012
12:11 PM
Page 1
decoding education
THE TIMES OF INDIA, KOLKATA
22 JULY 2011, FRIDAY
3
A CONSUMER CONNECT INITIATIVE
Opposition
Rules TAKING A CUE FROM BESU, WHICH REPLACED THE STUDENT UNION BODY WITH A CENTRE FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION, IT’S TIME INSTITUTIONS NURTURED CREATIVITY RATHER THAN ON-CAMPUS POLITICS. DEBOLINA SEN REPORTS
olitics in West Bengal, which has recently experienced a change in colour, is promising ‘green’er pastures to its people. Education, being one of the major areas that will undergo an overhaul, is geared up for a fresh start. But as far as the age-old practices of politics in colleges and universities are concerned, should there be a new rule in place that will not blur the lines between the two? Can the dispute between students and authority which results in gheraos and class disruptions be checked? The ideal answer to this problem would be to do away with student union bodies. Instead of engaging themselves with student politics, they can be encouraged to nurture a hobby. Agrees Professor Ajoy Kumar Roy, VC, Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur. “Since the student union body in our college has been replaced with Students Centre for Creative Expression, I have not received a single complaint. This
P
was done to get rid of the everyday disturbances and to channelise that very energy towards creative pursuits. I would recommend this to every other institution. But only following this may not be the solution. The authority needs to follow up with strict vigilance over hostel activities to ensure harmony.” Contrary to his belief, some premier institutes believe in keeping the student union active and resolve issues through mediating bodies. According to Professor Pradip Narayan Ghosh, VC, Jadavpur University, “We can’t do away with the student union body because of tradition and their recognition in our statute. Striving to work together and negotiating to curb differences are what we aim at. Gheraos are overnight protests and don’t really hamper classes. We have to admit that they also organise many academic and cultural activities.” While some like to look at the brighter side of things and towards mutual understanding, others think some firm steps are needed at times when it turns out to be a law and order situation. Dr Rajat Ray, dean of students, Jadavpur University, avers, “Though the Supreme Court directive suggests the inclusion of student union body, in times of student unrest the state government and the respective university should come up with a policy to settle matters. Student union body doesn’t obey or consult us always.” Where mediating bodies like the dean of students expect cooperation from the students union, they express discontent over the working of these bodies. Amlan Hazra, member Independent Consolidation (IC), Presidency University, points out, “Even we are students who need to focus on our careers. Thus solving these issues through a mediating body is more than welcome. But more often than not, there are no student representatives in the policy-making bodies leaving our voices unheard.” There are several routes to end commotion in the campuses. Dr Ghosh, registrar, JU feels, “If general students volunteer to voice their protest against gheraos that jeopardises normal classes, then it will help the authorities to take necessary steps.” Supriyo Dasgupta, member TMCP, Heramba Chandra College, admits, “I missed out on two precious academic years which showed in my results. I am for a non-political student body which will meet the grievances of the students and bring about a proper conclusion through amicable negotiation.” But can political influence be done away with so easily? Sarthak Banerjee, TMCP leader, Ashutosh College shares, “To counteract the injustices by the authority a student union is important, though violence should be avoided. If it is a general student forum, then when things shape up against the authority’s likings the entire forum will be replaced. Both parties should be given equal power.”
optionsgalore
Creating Leaders INSPIRED BY VIVEKANANDA’S TEACHINGS, VCE STRIVES TO PRODUCE REAL MANAGERS WHO ARE EQUIPPED TO TAKE ON LIFE mpowerment is the key. Without empowerment, there is no vision, and there is no rightful thinking and action. Without rightful thinking, there is no self-excellence, and therefore no strategic vision or action. Vivekananda College of Empowerment (VCE) has been set up with a unique pedagogy and design. Inspired by the sayings of Swami Vivekananda, the management concept has been internalised into three different worlds; the management student has to visit the inner world, the world of relationship and the world of getting things done. The focus of learning here, is to inspire
E
students to understand what Swami Vivekananda had said — “Let the dead past bury its dead. The infinite future is before you, there is the inspiring hope that the good thoughts and good deeds are ready with the power of a hundred thousand angels to inspire you always and forever. Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.” Students who join BBA and MBA plus PGPM course here, have to go through a rigorous process of theoretical and practical learning, so that they don’t turn into bonsai managers, rather turn into powerful leaders with innovative ideas and speedy action.
Coursing Ahead SWAMI VIVEKANANDA GROUP OF INSTITUTES OFFERS ADVANCED TEACHING AND EXCELLENT FACILITIES IN A NUMBER OF COURSES ith higher secondary exams coming to an end, tension starts building up in the minds of students and their parents, regarding where and what to study. Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutes offers some relief from these worries. The institutes are AICTE approved and affiliated to WBUT and WBSCTE. They are also ISO 2008:9001 certified. Courses like B Tech (ME, ECE, CSE & EEE), polytechnic diploma (CIVIL, ME, EE, ETCE, architecture), MBA, BBA (H), BCA (H), B Sc. microbiology and B Sc biotechnology (H) are taught here. The guidance of two renowned educationists, Dr Asoke Binaykia and Dr Nandan Gupta, is the driving force behind its success. Supported by a highly qualified faculty, students from here graduate looking forward to a promising future. There are advanced laboratories, computer centres, libraries and airy classrooms. The Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutes takes great pride in the students it produces — they are knowledgeable, skilled, and confident. Helping them to find suitable jobs is the duty of the place-
W
ment cell of the SVIST, which has the clear-cut objective of placing all meritorious students before they have completed their course. It undertakes multi-pronged strategies and focused activities such as presentations, industrial visits, printing and circulating placement bulletins with student profiles and encouraging on and off-campus recruitment programmes. A partner of this college, the Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, Midnapore, offers an M Sc in biotechnology and biochemistry. SVIMS is already experienced in these courses as its partnering institute as the Burdwan Institute of Management and Computer Science has already been teaching BBA (H), BCA (H), B Sc biotechnology (H), B Sc biochemistry, for a decade. The AICTE-approved and WBSCTE affiliated Shree Ramkrishna Institute of Science and Technology offers Polytechnic Diploma in Civil, ME, EE, ETCE and architecture. The associated college, Regent Education and Research Foundation (RERF), which is also approved by AICTE and affiliated to WBUT, is a B Tech college.
Published for the proprietors, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, by Sk. Md. Ali at 105/7A, S N Banerjee Road, Kolkata-700 014 and printed by him at Times House, Plot no.2, Block- EM, Sector-V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 091,Karuna Age Publications Pvt Ltd.A-44/54, Mancheswar Ind Estate, Bhubaneswar-751 017, Pearl Printwell Ltd., Kumhrar, Patna-800 020, Anubhuti Printers & Publications (P) Ltd, A DEE Tower, Lalmati, Beltola ( NH-37), Guwahati- 781 029 and Neutral Publishing House Ltd, Old H.B. Road, Ranchi-834 001. Editor (Kolkata Market): Bob Roy- responsible for selection of news under PRB Act. Tel no. Kolkata (033) 6639 1400, Response (033) 6639 1600. Fax: (O33) 2282 4996 Bhubaneswar- (0674) 257 1908, Patna (0612) 222 6301, Guwahati (0361) 2456 735 and Ranchi (0651) 2216 384. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
C MY K
