Sardar Patel University (SPU), Mandi, is working on transforming itself into a modern institution focused on skill-based education, technology-driven learning, entrepreneurship, research excellence and international collaborations. In an interview with Dipender Manta, Vice-Chancellor Lalit Kumar Awasthi shares his vision on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education, industry-oriented programmes, smart classrooms, rural outreach and future plans for global recognition.
What is your vision for the development of Sardar Patel University?
For a long time, Himachal had mainly one general university system through Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla. Since 2022, the SPU has emerged as a new university and I believe its core focus should be on 21st-century skills. The SPU also has colleges affiliated with it, similar to the HPU, but it should not become an exact copy of any existing institution. The SPU must create its own identity by emphasising skill-based training, multidisciplinary education, entrepreneurship and startup culture. One advantage we have is that the SPU is a new university. We do not carry a heavy backlog of traditional systems. Our faculty is young, energetic and dynamic.
How is the university implementing the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020?
From the next semester, we are implementing the NEP-2020 in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Important components such as multiple entry-multiple exits and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) are being introduced. The ultimate vision of the NEP-2020 is to allow students to design and tailor their own degrees, according to their interests and career goals. Reaching that stage will take time but we have already started by creating Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) IDs and ABC accounts for almost all students of the current batch and more than 50 per cent students of the previous batches.
What steps are being taken to encourage innovation and research opportunities for students?
The university has received a Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) grant of around Rs 20 crore. Out of this, Rs 1.30 crore has already been utilised to purchase research equipment. A major portion of the grant will be used for strengthening research infrastructure. We are establishing a centralised instrumentation centre that will support the physics, chemistry, zoology and botany departments. Besides, each faculty member has been provided with a research grant of around Rs 3 lakh to support research-related purchases such as chemicals and equipment. Besides, we have also strengthened computing facilities.
What is the university’s plan to strengthen placements and industry collaborations, especially in IT and emerging technologies?
Since only a few batches have passed out so far, placements are still developing. Though students have received placements and industry experts have interacted with students through invited talks, I still believe we need to improve significantly. I want our students to enter multinational companies. To achieve that, industry-oriented exposure is essential. Under the NEP-2020, we are planning semester-based industrial internships and add-on credit courses taught by industry professionals.
What initiatives for digital learning and smart campus development are being introduced in the university?
We have established seven or eight smart classrooms at an investment of around Rs 45 lakh. These classrooms are equipped with smart boards and Internet facilities. As per the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, students will also be encouraged to complete nearly 40 per cent of their courses through the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) and other online learning platforms.
How can students from rural areas benefit from the university’s academic and career programmes?
Many of our affiliated colleges are located in remote and rural areas. Therefore, we want all our career-oriented and extra training programmes to remain open for the students of affiliated colleges as well. Even if transportation becomes difficult, these students should still be able to participate online. Our goal is to ensure that rural students receive equal opportunities and access to quality academic and skill-development programmes.
What initiatives are being taken for skill development and entrepreneurship?
We are currently collaborating with engineering colleges, polytechnic institutions and industry-oriented organisations to offer skill-based courses. Our computer labs are also being strengthened so that students can receive training in programming, computer-oriented skills and industry-relevant technologies.
What challenges does a newly set up university like the SPU face and how are you addressing these?
There is a long list of challenges. The biggest requirement is a permanent campus for the university. Fortunately, I have experience in designing academic institutions and have also worked on institutional planning projects earlier. Therefore, I believe I can contribute significantly to the planning and development of a permanent campus of the SPU. Land for the campus has already been identified but some forest clearance procedures are still pending. Another challenge is the expectation that the SPU should follow the existing university models. I strongly disagree with that idea. The SPU should create its own specialisation and identity. The university should become known for technology-assisted teaching-learning and future-oriented education.
What are your plans for international collaborations and global exposure for students?
There are immense opportunities in international collaborations. I have personally visited many institutions abroad and we are now exploring partnerships in different academic areas. My goal is that every department should have at least two or three international collaborations. Faculty members should participate in joint research projects such as collaborations with Japan and the US.
