Being associated with the MIT Group of Institutes for over a decade, tell us what was the defining moment in your career that has influenced your philosophy on higher education. Tell us about its impact on students.
The defining moment in my career was witnessing the transformative power of experiential learning when we introduced inter-disciplinary programmes at MIT World Peace University (WPU) under the leadership of our Executive President Dr Rahul Vishwanath Karad. This initiative emphasised innovation, practical skills and critical thinking, which reshaped students’ approaches to learning. It empowered them to become industry-ready professionals and socially responsible individuals, fostering a culture of life-long learning and holistic development.
MIT World Peace University has a unique name that emphasises peace. How does this philosophy translate into the university’s vision and daily operations?
With the guidance and blessings of our Founder President revered Prof Dr Vishwanath Karad, MIT Group of Institutions is now a cluster of six universities with 10,000 faculty and staff with more than 60,000 students studying in various institutes/universities. The flagship university of MIT Group of Institutions is MIT World Peace University where 25,000 students are studying with 1,000 faculty and 1,500 admin staff. At MIT WPU, the emphasis on peace is deeply rooted in its vision of fostering holistic education that balances academic excellence with human values. This philosophy translates into daily operations through initiatives like peace studies integrated into the curriculum, a focus on sustainability and fostering dialogue among diverse perspectives. These efforts aim to create a nurturing environment where students not only excel academically, but also contribute positively to society as ambassadors of peace and progress.
The university offers a diverse range of programmes across disciplines. Highlight some of the flagship programmes that have set the university apart, and how do these cater to the evolving demands of the global job market?
MIT World Peace University’s flagship programmes include engineering, design, management, media and law, which are designed with a focus on industry alignment and global trends. For instance, engineering programmes emphasise cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. Management programmes integrate big data analytics, event management and entrepreneurship. Design and Media programmes prepare students for creative industries with hands-on projects and global exposure.
These programmes are regularly updated in collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring students gain skills like critical thinking, adaptability and innovation, meeting the demands of the global job market.
- Peace programme: Faculty of Peace Studies caters to all the students of MIT World Peace University wherein our students study yoga, foundations of peace, spiritual and cultural heritage and tools and techniques of conflict management.
- Experiential learning: At MIT WPU, we have a unique WPU method to impart experiential learning comprising Social Leadership Development Programme, Design Thinking Programme: co-creation for problem solving in society, Rural Immersion Programme, Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad, National and International Immersion Programme, hackathons and industry internships.
The higher education system in India is undergoing significant transformations with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. What are your thoughts on its impact, and how is the university adapting to these changes?
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a transformative step for India’s higher education, emphasising multi-disciplinary learning, skill development and flexibility in curriculum. Its focus on holistic and experiential education aligns perfectly with MIT WPU’s vision.
The university is actively adapting by introducing multi-disciplinary programmes and multiple entry and exit systems; encouraging research and innovation through collaborative platforms; promoting skill-based education, entrepreneurship and global exposure. This proactive alignment with NEP 2020 ensures students are equipped with 21st-century skills and a global perspective.
How do you see the role of educators evolving in the next decade with the evolving influence of AI and technology in the learning technique?
The role of educators will evolve to focus more on being mentors and facilitators rather than traditional content providers. With AI and technology handling routine teaching tasks, educators will personalise learning by leveraging AI-driven insights to address individual student needs; foster critical thinking by guiding students in analysing, interpreting and applying knowledge; encourage creativity and collaboration through experiential and project-based learning and adapt continuously by embracing emerging technologies and integrating them into pedagogy.
This shift will ensure that educators empower students with skills like adaptability, emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making, essential for the future workforce.
Share some key initiatives or programmes you are focussing on, to ensure the university remains at the forefront of higher education trends.
To stay ahead in higher education trends, MIT WPU is focussing on the following key initiatives:
- Industry-academia collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with leading companies to provide internships, live projects and mentorship opportunities.
- Research and innovation hubs: Establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in emerging areas like AI, sustainability and FinTech.
- Global exposure: Expanding student exchange programmes and collaborations with international universities.
Technology integration: Leveraging AI, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) and digital tools for immersive and personalised learning experiences. - Entrepreneurship support: Providing incubation facilities, mentorship and funding opportunities to foster startups. Curriculum having a credit programme on Research, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (RIDE) to boost the startup culture.
These initiatives ensure students are equipped with future-ready skills and a global perspective.
Kindly elaborate on the ways MIT WPU fosters cultural exchange and holistic development through extra-curricular activities and events.
MIT WPU emphasises cultural exchange and holistic development through a vibrant array of extra-curricular activities and events that nurture talent, creativity and global perspectives. Key efforts include:
- Cultural festivals: Events like Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad bring together diverse communities, showcasing global traditions and fostering inclusivity.
- Global outreach programmes: Student exchange programmes and international conferences promote cross-cultural learning and networking.
- Clubs: A wide range of student-led clubs focus on arts, sports, sustainability and technology, encouraging teamwork and personal growth.
- Workshops and competitions: Regular workshops on leadership, public speaking and creative arts, along with hackathons and design challenges, hone diverse skills.
- Social responsibility initiatives: Activities like Rural Immersion Programme instil civic responsibility.
These initiatives ensure students develop a balanced blend of academic, cultural and inter-personal skills, preparing them for a well-rounded life.
As a leader, how do you inspire your faculty and students to innovate and think beyond traditional boundaries? Tell us how your personal academic and professional journey has shaped your leadership approach and vision for the institution.
Leadership at MIT-WPU inspire faculty and students to innovate by fostering an environment of curiosity, collaboration and continuous learning. This includes encouraging experiential learning and creative problem-solving through multi-disciplinary projects, supporting research initiatives and providing platforms for students and faculty to explore new ideas and celebrating innovation through competitions, awards and incubation support for entrepreneurial ventures.
My personal journey, shaped by academic rigour and professional experiences, has instilled a passion for life-long learning and adaptability. I have always valued teamwork, inclusivity and the power of diverse perspectives. These principles guide our leadership approach, emphasising empowerment, ethical values and a forward-thinking vision for MIT World Peace University as a global centre of excellence.
dorina@thefoundermedia.in
