Kurukshetra University (KU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva emphasized that the true purpose of education extends beyond awarding degrees, aiming to build knowledge, practical skills, and strong character while fostering a positive outlook among students. He made the remarks during an invited lecture and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony organized by the Department of Electronics at KU on Tuesday.
MoUs Signed with Two Universities
KU signed separate MoUs with Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU) and Manav Rachna University (MRU) to strengthen collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, faculty and student exchange, internships, joint workshops, seminars, and other academic initiatives. The agreements aim to enhance academic and research cooperation between the institutions.
NEP Initiatives and Apprenticeship Programs
Highlighting KU's initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP), Prof Sachdeva noted that the university has already signed an MoU with the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) and launched more than 10 apprenticeship-integrated degree programmes. These programs are designed to integrate practical training with academic learning, improving employability.
Balanced Development: Head, Hand, and Heart
Referring to Swami Vivekananda, Bloom's Taxonomy, and the Bhagavad Gita, the VC stressed that quality education must ensure the balanced development of the "Head, Hand and Heart" through knowledge, skills, and values. He argued that this holistic approach is essential for producing well-rounded graduates.
Keynote on Skill Universities
Delivering the keynote lecture on "Role of Skill Universities," SVSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dinesh Kumar said that NEP has transformed higher education by giving equal importance to employability and practical skills. He asserted that India can emerge as a global economic leader only by developing a highly skilled workforce, urging institutions to prioritize skill-based training.
Bhagavad Gita and Leadership
Speaking on "Bhagavad Gita and Leadership," MRU Vice-Chancellor Prof Sanjay Srivastava explained that the principles of modern leadership and management were outlined in the Bhagavad Gita centuries ago. He identified continuous learning, positive thinking, empathy, discipline, cooperation, and the ability to listen as essential qualities of an effective leader.
Skill Enhancement in Higher Education
Dean of Engineering and Technology Prof Sunil Dhingra noted that skill enhancement has become an integral part of higher education under NEP, reflecting a shift towards outcome-based learning and industry readiness.
