India’s 10 Best Universities to Watch in 2021

1. ISSUE - 09 INDIA'S 10 BEST UNIVERSITIES TO WATCH IN 2021 PANDIT DEENDAYAL ENERGY UNIVERSITY A Revolutionary Institute Building a Legacy in Energy Education The Abroad Dream: International Study in COVID-19 Times Levering the New Age of Education in the Times of Pandemic

5. India's 10 Best Universities to Watch in 2021 Higher University Education is the Backbone of Consistent Career Development Many times, one comes across 'Back to School' quotes or themes and starts wondering about the good old school days – be it their favorite class, sport, or teacher, one cannot forget their firsts ever. However, the irony is as a kid – one often wants to grow up fast and be an adult and as an adult – one often wants to relive their childhood days. Stuck between the odds of these times, now students are experiencing a new template of online education. The screens have marked the presence of classrooms while smart boards, power points, along visual platforms are offering a digitized learning experience. At the university and institute level, higher education has undergone a remarkable transformation and is no longer relying on traditional methods or one-dimensional learning processes. To bestow students with an excellent e-learning higher education, the educators are using a variety of online devices to facilitate and contextualize the syllabus. Last year, the pandemic made the e-learning domain grow at a rapid pace and more and more students started exploring new options with online information. Currently, digital learning is training billions of students with the aim of globalizing and building a virtual community of top learners and creators. Today, a higher education degree from a university is an investment of a bright and promising future. Higher Education equips students with job security, confidence, growth mindset, and many valuable assets. One can't emphasize the importance of good higher education enough. It is these three to four years that set the foundation of a glorious career span. As crucial as these years seem for students, the faculties and the respective universities are equally responsible for exceptional education. In appreciation to the leading universities that are successfully fulfilling their roles of being India's 10 Best Universities to Watch in 2021, Education Stalwarts honors top-class universities for their performance and pedagogy. Representing our Cover Story is Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) – A Revolutionary Institute building a Legacy in Holistic Education. In the Special Category, we have three prominent universities - AAFT University - University of the Month, Ajeenkya DY Patil University - University Making a Difference, and Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (Deemed University) - Tour with JVBI. Gracing our Normal Profile section are two pioneering universities like Himgiri Zee University and Techno India University. On Stalwarts Talk – a unique section that highlights quality conversation over a trending topic - Indian Higher Educational Institutes leveraging Internet potential to Sustain Education: Pursuit to Serendipity by Dr. Aastha Verma, Assistant Professor, Ramlal Anand College, South Campus, University of Delhi. Also, we have articles from our in-house editors on distinctive topics like Levering the New Age of Education in the Times of Pandemic, The Dynamic EdTech Trends to Look for in 2021, and The Abroad Dream: International Study in COVID-19 Times. Apurva Bhosale Editor (Apurva@educationstalwarts.com)

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9. Special Category Pro?les An Exceptional Realm for Artist s, Creators and Digital In?uencers of Tomorrow 22 26 30

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11. Cover Story Profile

12. W ith a changing world, the advancements in the Education field have been remarkable; it has not only rectified the traditional methods but also incorporated the digital processions with an open mindset. Today, Education stands its position in society by enabling young minds to pursue their dreams and become visionary leaders of tomorrow. The schools, colleges, universities, and institutes are now offering students a lasting educational experience worth every penny. One such torchbearer in the educational arena, Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) established in 2007 through the act of Gujarat Legislative Assembly with the provision to have diversity and scholarship for building a prominent talent base in the energy sector. PDEU believes in transforming with evolving times, hence initially, it focused on the energy academic and research domain and gradually broadened its spectrum for trained human resources in the domains of Science, Technology, Management, and Humanities. Today, the university has marked its presence as a renowned institution with noteworthy national and international visibility. 12

13. The Leading Forces building sustainable finance and Smt. Pallavi Shroff having legal knowledge is part of the board. In addition to this Secretary Higher and Technical Education and Energy Secretary are part of the governance. A renowned Educationist, Scientist, and Administrator, Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan is the Director-General of PDEU. He has extensive experience of over three decades in teaching and research in the area of Material Science and Nanotechnology. He was deputed from IIT-Kanpur to be the Founder Director of UGC funded 100 Crore project to establish the National Center for Nano Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Mumbai premises. He served as a visiting professor in numerous internationally reputed institutions across the globe. In the recent past, he has held several administrative positions including being a member of the Project Advisory Committee at DST & DRDO Funding Agencies. An array of esteemed personalities from Industry, Government, and Academia bestow strategic leadership and are the Board of Governors at PDEU. Dr. Mukesh Ambani, the industry leader in the energy domain is the Founder Chairman of the University. Dr. R A Mashelkar is the Research Champion of the nation and was inducted into the board to inculcate the best research environment. Dr. Vikram Singh Mehta, Former Chairman of Shell India and current chairman of Brookings India being champion of internationalization is part of this board. In addition to that, Shri K V Kamath has been a pillar in Shri D. Rajagopalan, IAS (Retd.) is the Chairman of the Standing Committee. He was the former Chief Secretary of Govt. of Gujarat. He was the Vice- Chairman and Managing Director of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, Gandhinagar; as well as, of State Transport Corporation of Gujarat. During his tenure with the Central Government he has served in the office of Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Commerce and Industry Ministry, Govt. of India. 13

14. An Overview of PDEU's Educational Amenities Unique Infrastructural Setup: Having a focus on 'knowledge-based economy' and realizing the power of 'interdisciplinary research', the overall University's physical infrastructure is designed in such a manner that excludes the conventional concept of 'department' and there are only four big clusters like (i) School of Technology (SoT) (ii) School of Liberal Studies (SLS) (iii) School of Petroleum Technology (SPT) (iv) School of Petroleum Management (SPM). This amalgamating planning accelerates the interaction of students and faculties of different branches which is the first step towards an interdisciplinary problem-solving approach. ideas from all directions. The university has created some sector relevant engineering laboratories which are well equipped to facilitate the pedagogic and research process. PDEU provides its learners with a perfect blend of pristine environment and modern technology enabling a dynamic learning experience and turning students into potential professionals. The university has an excellent infrastructure with proper maintenance facilities offerings students an ideal platform for excelling their performance. Be it festivals, sports, or various programs/events, the students actively participate and win awards for the university. Office of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (OSAIL): It is a dedicated center to offer students opportunities in their areas of interest thereby developing leadership qualities. The activities at the OSAIL are majorly driven by Student Clubs, Student Chapters of Professional Societies. Realizing the societal need, the University encourages NSS and NCC activities with the noble initiative of 'nation-building'. PDEU's Translational Research Centre (TREC), a 50-crore multi-story facility will be the hub for effective translation of research and innovative ideas into sustainable solutions in the areas of Energy, Health, Water, and Climate Change. TREC will facilitate multi- disciplinary interactions on all the nine verticals of Industry 4.0 namely Augmented and Virtual Reality, Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Industrial IoT, Big Data, Cyber-Physical Systems, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Nanotechnology. Interdisciplinary Focus: Financial support is extended to B.Tech and M.Tech students for their research work and preference is given to an interdisciplinary team thereby strengthening the interdisciplinary flavor. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP): It provides support for the free and responsible conduct of investigative, scholarly, and creative activities at the university. The office programs offer support from the initial stages of proposal development to grants management, publication, and the transfer of technology. Growth Friendly Administration: PDEU's growth-friendly, easy approachability, and flexible procedures make facilities assessed by all which thereby gives creativity a strong platform to flourish. Moreover to strengthen the administration and smoothen its functioning, the policy of 'rotation of powers' is followed and normally the tenure of the various heads or in-charges of the department/sections/portfolio are restricted to 2-3 years allowing new Women's Cell: The University aims to provide safe working and learning campus life for staff and students free from gender discrimination and sexual harassment. It further cultivates the atmosphere where men and women work together towards the growth and prosperity of the institution in a secured academic environment. With these core strengths as below, the four-year stay of the student at the university becomes eventful with each time-stretch as a new benchmark of excelling. 14

15. The Wall of Achievements (GSIRF) • PDEU has been approved by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue (Central Board of Direct Taxes) on 24th April 2015 as a Scientific Research Institution for claiming exemption under section 35(1) (ii) of Income Tax Act on the donations/ grants received for scientific research activities done by its faculty members and students. • University is recognized by the Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) • MEMBER OF INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (IIE) PDEU has achieved many milestones under its name with its principled work ethical approach and commitment towards educational enforcement. • School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University has been recognized as a Scheduled-I Auditor by Gujarat Pollution Control Board. • NAAC 'A' Grade Accredited with CGPA 3.39/4.0 in 2016. • The PDEU SPE Student Chapter stands as the only SPE student chapter in India to have bagged four consecutive Gold Standard Awards from SPE International four times in a row. • MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN UNIVERSITIES • PDEU is the only private University in Gujarat to get the graded autonomy status by University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2018. • B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering Program is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), New Delhi up to 30th June 2022. • 4 Star Rating by Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework 15

16. Keeping the Lamp Ignited • Summer Internships in a village for almost 4-5 weeks are conducted to closely observe the functioning of the rural people and document the 'good practices' and 'shortcomings'. for entrepreneurship. Moreover, students are encouraged to align their term papers/project work with the national and/or state-specific problems enabling them to become 'problem solvers' and 'employment generators' which is the need of the hour. Visiting the industries along with short-term and long-term industrial training gives them a new dimension towards the application of technology and problem solving which is accompanied by active and continued partnership with Energy and Infrastructure Sector companies, National and International Universities, Consultants, and Vendors. Education is an insightful journey in every individual's life with time; this process has undergone many significant modifications. At PDEU, understanding the need of the hour special emphasis is given to developing the 'observational power' and 'sharpening the problem-solving approach' as this creates a foundation for achieving excellence. Hence, under the Academic Policy Initiatives a set of initiatives are undertaken like: • Policy guideline of having 10% of the total lectures of any course to be taken up by the industry professionals for understanding the problems of the industry/society and work on the upliftment of respected community issues. • Academic initiatives for including business perspectives in the B.Tech and M.Tech research projects, which offer students a higher level of commitment in the work and pave way 16

17. A Sneak Peek into Annual Events and Extra-curricular Activities are spread across 3 days, where students from all over the country showcase their talent and it ends with a Pro night where PDEU invites various celebrities. • Indian Drone Racing League • National Level Cubing Competition – Tesseract 2019 • Gravity Well Demonstration by Brahmand Club • Alexa Workshop by Coding Club TESSERACT is the Annual Science and Technical Fest of the University, which talks about the quest for knowledge. The campus is buzzing with more than 40 student clubs based on personal preferences; students take an active role in the club functioning as a Core Executive Member and also participate in the activities organized by other clubs. There are 3 major festivals:Flare, Tesseract, and Petro Cup which are organized annually where students from different colleges across the country participate. PETROCUP: An Annual Inter-College Sports Festival to showcase sportsmanship, intensity, and competition of the game with the mantra “LEARN, PLAY AND WIN”. Tesseract the word describes the four- dimensional analogy of a cube and links the depth and complexities of science with an elementary cube. It goes hand in hand with the aim and vision of the university, to make science simple. PetroCup has expanded its impact and the growing popularity has given talents a platform to excel their sports-play potential. With cricket dignitaries of the Indian National Cricket Team like Parthiv Patel, this sports fest is an enthralling experience. Key Highlights of the Tesseract 2019: FLARE involves Music, Dance, Art, Theatre, Literature, Culinary, Gaming, Fashion, and much more. The events • Automobile exhibition by International Automobile Centre of Excellence 17

18. The Steps towards Success Property Protection Organization (IPPO) at IP Fest for three consecutive years, 2017, 2018 & 2019. It is approved as "Technology Business Incubator" by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. IIC PDEU has filed more than 86 IPRs, 100+ startups have incubated and generated more than 950 employments. The presence of a vibrant Incubation and Innovation Centre increases the confidence of the students' manifolds as this gets strong support to commercialize their ideas and/or research outputs. Excellence (iACE), which has a widespread infrastructure for teaching Automotive Manufacturing and Automotive Electronics worth Rs. 100 Crore. Initiatives towards Securing Energy for All: PDEU has undertaken extensive research in the area of new energy sources. The Centre of Excellence in Geothermal Energy (CEGE) at PDEU has conducted comprehensive exploration surveys for geothermal prospects identification in several parts of Gujarat and has drilled two shallow wells in Dholera. It has established the first of its kind project on direct applications for heating and cooling in Dholera and has demonstrated societal benefits such as honey-processing and Balneology using geothermal water. The Centre for Biofuel & Bio-Energy Studies (CBBS) has developed expertise in designing energy-efficient biodiesel processes and innovative designs. Disruptive I 4.0 Technologies: The University has received over Rs. 200 crore funding in R&D and Centre of Excellence's Projects and currently 60 government and private sponsored ongoing projects. The University stands out with the exceptional Centers of Excellence including Siemens Automotive Centre of Excellence, Centre for Biofuel and Bioenergy Studies, Solar Research and Development Centre, Centre of Excellence in Geothermal Energy, Drilling, Cementing and Stimulation Centre, and Maruti Suzuki International Automobile Centre of Excellence. Global Collaborations: PDEU has tied up with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA – Abdul Latif Jamil World Education Lab (MIT J-WEL) in the Higher Education segment. As part of this initiative, eighteen faculty received training from MIT. It has collaborated with the Go Minnesota Program, USA, and the credit exchange program with Oklahoma University, where students study for a semester and earn credits. It has established Chair Professor in partnership with Hazira LNG Private Limited and Suzlon to further the cause of Academic and Research Excellence at the University. Innovation & Incubation Centre: Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) has recognized PDEU- Innovation & Incubation Centre in Top 25 Universities on indicators related to “Innovation & Entrepreneurship amongst students & faculties.” It is also recognized as the "Incubation Centre of the Year with Prominent IP Culture" by Intellectual PDEU has a Solar Research Development Centre (SRDC) and a 1 MW Solar power plant integrated into the grid, along with a 1.5MW Rooftop facility. The University, in partnership with Maruti Suzuki and the Government of Gujarat, has created the International Automobile Center of 18

19. PSUs to MNCs. Many have their startups and support others for employment. Disha Shah - Sr. Consultant to GRID - Oil & Gas, PWC, Rajneesh Modi - Consultant - Energy & Resources, Accenture Management Consulting, Saurabh Dubey - Advisory Services, Energy Vertical, Protiviti Consulting, United Arab Emirates, Prasoon Pankaj – Income Tax Inspector, Nilesh Balani – Asst. Executive Engineer, ONGC Mumbai to name a few. Many have joined international Universities for higher studies also. The University has been a frontrunner in the Government of India 'Study in India' Program for International Admissions. During the last year, 162 students from 29 countries enrolled for regular programs of PDEU. The University also received more than 100 students under Study in India short term program. The various National and International Joint exchange programs like the International Exposure Program (IEP) are held each year. This program is designed to give students exposure in the academic, technical, and cultural forefront with the intent to create and promote a collaborative platform at some of the finest universities in the world. skills will be initiated through apprenticeship programs. PDEU further encourages technology business commercialization programs for the skill trained learners to plunge into the entrepreneurship world. • Swayam Courses: The institute is already a distinguished platform for initiating courses offered by Swayam/MOOC and Coursera platform. It motivates more students to join such resourceful platforms in the upcoming years. • International Semester Abroad/ Exchange Program: The Office of the International Relations (OIR) will strive to establish a steady flow of outbound and inbound students to engage in exchange programs to expand their learning and provide a global perspective in the accredited courses. Paving the Road Ahead Societal Impact: PDEU in response to the United Nations Call for Sustainable Development Goals for Clean Water, and Sanitation is working on designing, developing, and demonstrating high- recovery, low-cost water treatment systems for saline groundwater and wastewater with the support from European Union under Horizon 2020. The Institution is currently planning and proposing to bring structural changes apart from the academic programs to make this institution an Institute of Eminence (IoE) in learning. It aims to be a pioneer in the next five years. It is focused on developing an intentional, aligned, and integrated culture that radiates the beliefs, values, and life skills for the youth to be successful. Transformational Education works because it harnesses an organization's systems, staff, environment, and curriculum to provide an enriched and effective milieu for educating the aspiring youth. PDEU's curriculum and skill-based training are designed to adapt to this digital age empowering the students with experiential learning. • Accreditation and Ranking: Having launched all major initiatives for renewing the teaching-learning process and teaching-learning resources, PDEU looks forward to empowering itself with all honors to become a leading institute in the national and international formats. As a first initiative, it has already established itself in the NIRF ranking. It envisions being on par with MHRD funded technical institutes nationally and globally among the Top 500 Universities. PDEU's quest is to push towards this milestone by engaging in NBA, GSIRF ranking, and Accreditation Process. As a responsibility towards local society, PDEU has adopted nearby villages. Awareness of various prevailing social issues has been conducted periodically by our students and has addressed the schools' infrastructural and academic needs. In this pandemic, PDEU has emerged with seven patents in providing engineering solutions to combat COVID-19. Some key pointers for mapping the next benchmarks are: The Notable Alumni • Skill Training And Skill-based Courses: In the coming times, Skill Development will have certification courses and programs respectively. For industry demanding skill opportunities, certification programs in modern analytical methods, production, and manufacturing With a journey of 13 years, PDEU has carved a niche for itself in the public and private sectors with industry driven students. Till now 7000+ students have passed out. It has a well-established Alumni network across the University to encourage the Alumni to take an active and abiding interest in the work and progress of the Institute to contribute towards enhancement of the social utility of their Alma Mater. They are now settled across the globe and building the Brand PDEU. They are at the middle level and top-level management at various organizations ranging from 19

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21. Special Profiles Category

22. A AFT University of Media and Arts is part of the Marwah Studios, a renowned national and international provider of entertainment and media. It is an extension of the dream which translated into action in the year 1993 and gained momentum by rising to the next level by the establishment of the AAFT University. With more than two decades of proficiency in the field of film technology, the university has imparted revolutionary media education and training to more than 17000 students becoming one of the largest media education hubs in Asia. The institute has a myriad range of courses that include 50+ professional courses in the disciplines of Cinema, Fashion Design, Journalism and Mass Communication, Animation, Advertising, Music, Dance, Event Management, Digital Marketing, DJ, Interior Design, Performing Arts, Acting, Interior Design, and many more. It has achieved many prestigious honors and awards worldwide and continues to transform numerous dreams into realities. It encourages the free flow of creative ideas, thought processes, and perspectives while molding students into thinkers and performers. AAFT is an industry pioneer giving direction to its students to grow as professionals, handle responsibilities, and produce artwork that has a major impact on communities, society, and the world. It is an advanced creative platform holistically bestowing students to excel their maximum artistic potential and shine their element in the entertainment fraternity. The institute inculcates and nurtures student's natural capabilities towards film and television through intensive training and aims to set new standards in India by diving deep into the dynamics of the entertainment industry. It has four international and national accreditations that are recognized in the industry as benchmarks of educational quality. 22

23. Meet the Seasoned Maestro achieved Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award 2018. He is also the Chancellor of AAFT University which is India's first dedicated Film, Media, and Arts University. talent and building employability of the students through industry-oriented training and also providing them with different opportunities and exposures. A veteran personality, Dr. Sandeep Marwah is the Founder and President of AAFT. He has laid the foundation of this university fueling its growth and adding glory to the art industry. He is a renowned Indian film producer, director, and educator prominently known for his contribution to media and cultural exchange across the globe. His principled work ethical approach has won him 500 international, national, and state recognitions along with the recently “Every immense journey starts with a single step and advances by winning different hurdles with self-confidence. AAFT has faith in setting the bar high with a luminous system of holistic education. We work to build strong minds blended with passion and global notice for brilliance, thereby, turning challenges into opportunities”, words of wisdom from the President's desk. His vim and vigor to build a platform encourages a learning environment filled with excitement, adventures, and challenges. This has helped the group to successfully train over 17,000 students till date and shall witness increasing numbers in the upcoming times. His dedicated efforts, expertise, and enthusiasm have helped the university to grow in leaps and bounds. He has a fierce vision of nurturing 23

24. The New Age Program of Entertainment Education AAFT welcomes students from more than 120 countries, where the majority of them are from Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and the Pacific Rim regions and neighboring countries. This offers students a global community of learning and a platform for cultural exchange. AAFT stands- out among all the other institutes as it delivers its students with 'out-of-the- box' offerings. Some of the key features are 1000+ celebrity interaction, 200+ faculties, 50+ international faculty, 120+ feature films, 2300+ short films produced, 17000+ alumni, 4500+ TV Programme Association, 10th in the world ranking, 400+ awards and accolades, 120+ countries students enrolled, 500+ placements opportunities, and much more. in all spheres of influence. It bestows the students with a principled environment ensuring holistic education meets the requirements of the 21st century. The growing number of students at the university is a sign of AAFT being a center of excellence in India, which is headed to the start of the new era fostering artistic talents like never before. It prepares students under different controls like Camera and Lighting, Direction, Editing, Acting, Still Photography, Sound Recording, Art Direction, Script Writing, and Script Development. AAFT is a powerhouse of performance producing leaders in creative fields like advertising and public relations, music, digital media, fashion, and more. “With a vision to produce global leaders of highest intellectual and ethical caliber, AAFT delivers high- quality technical education in emerging areas of media and creative arts.” At AAFT, the institute gives equal emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical orientation as a blend of both makes students excel in their performance. The university aims for excellent academic distinction through a team of dedicated faculty, motivated to keep up with the global atmosphere 24

25. Ace Infrastructure and Comprehensive Academic Programs galleries, and more. AAFT strongly believes that films represent much more than entertainment conducting festivals that embrace the magic of film, television, digital technologies, and literature. Designed for and by young people, each global festival caters to people from all walks of life with just interest in film, whether to watch and enjoy, create their work or take things a stage further and find out more about a career in the film or television industry. All the festivals organized by IFTC act as the medium to offer the most accessible way to learn about and stimulate discussion among film enthusiasts about the personal and world issues that are currently important to them. These festivals entertain, educate, motivate and inspire the youth through film screenings, industry workshops, practical masterclasses, filmmaking projects, and outreach activities. AAFT boasts of State-of-the-Art infrastructure which is fully equipped with contemporary studios, labs, high- end equipment, and more. It has air- conditioned classrooms with LCD projectors, a fully equipped Chroma Studio, Advanced Video Editing Lab, Post Production Lab, Photography Lab, and Print Lab. Salient Pointers to Leverage Placements The placement team provides complete assistance to all students to find the most suitable job opportunities as per the language learned, their skills, talents, and interests. It has successfully provided job placements to trained and talented students in various Embassies, Multinational companies, Aviation, Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism, Retail, and Event Management sectors in India and abroad. The opportunities and exposures at AAFT are immense as the institute collaborates with directors, producers, and committees of talent search giving beginners a piece and chance of fame. AAFT offers a broad range of degree and diploma courses at the bachelor's and master's level along with short- term programs and certifications. The campus has research centers that are operated by the top echelons of the Indian and International community. These experts interact with the students regularly and share their insights, valuable experience, and guide them thoroughly. It also has in- house community radio, film club, news agency, rehearsal hall, screening theatre, and production studio for imparting practical exposure to the students. It is the right place to gear up with a world-class competitive edge. The students can connect with guest performers, hosts, artist-in-residence through star-studded events throughout the year as AAFT conducts workshops through celebrities. Such activities are steered for students to gain practical knowledge and create awareness regarding interpersonal skills, positive attitude, skillful mindset, team building, time management, and allowing them to have an open approach towards everything. This in turn helps students to look at a wider spectrum of things, learn about different opinions, new perspectives, and become a speaker, leader, reader, and keen observer of their prompt surroundings. AAFT shapes young minds to become potential artists of tomorrow through inclusive development. The constant engagement of students in live projects, summer training, full- term optional/ compulsory internships, on-the-job training, study tours, skill enhancement events, and inbound workshops aimed at solving real-time problems. The students also get to learn by participating in cultural fests, symposiums, club activities, case studies, camps, community services, workshops, seminars, events, shows, The Notable Alumni AAFT alumni are associated with various media organizations or are freelancing in their chosen field of creative work. The list of achievers, in name and fame, has continued to swell with time. AAFT trained Media & Entertainment professionals will soon revolutionize the entertainment industry through their work of art. Their sincerity, dedication, and hard work will surely make the world a better place than it is now. The millennial and Gen Z bunch of talent has marked their territories for years to come. 25

26. W and utilize the widespread knowledge base while elevating the quality of life for every Indian. ith a vision to contribute to innovation enabled Indian Society Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune has been established under Maharashtra Govt. Act III of 2015 of the Government of Maharashtra and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It aims to develop new solutions The university offers the best undergraduate and postgraduate programs in unique areas, linked to exemplary 'ADYPU Student Experience', which is supported by excellent amenities and highly talented and motivated teaching staff. It presently offers 80 undergraduate and interdisciplinary postgraduate programs through its nine schools of study - School of Design, School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Film and Media, School of Hotel Management, School of Information Technology, School of Management, School of Architecture, and School of Liberal Arts. 26

27. He has been a member of the CII National Committee on Design. He has authored three India Design Reports published in 2009, 2011, and 2014. He has been curating, planning, and executing the CII NID Design Summit for the last 6 years. In the year 2011, he helped CII initiate the CII Design Excellence Awards and has been managing these awards since then. During his work with CII, he also helped to initiate the CII Industrial Innovation Awards in 2014. Recently he authored a report on “Future of Design Education in India” published by the British Council in India. He edited a compilation of 4 volumes of Indian Innovation Case Studies for the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. independence of approach, thoughts, and process. The campus life at ADYPU is an amalgamation of disciplined academics and a fun-filled atmosphere. The students can actively participate in a myriad range of social and cultural activities and experience a unique learning approach. It hosts various sports ranging from competitive sports to basic fitness programs and organizes extra- curricular activities to bestow students with different opportunities and exposures. Overall, it focuses on providing students with distinctive and holistic training to boost both personal and professional growth. Its purpose is to transform students into thinkers, dreamers, and innovators of tomorrow by directing academic excellence in teaching, research, and quality of service. It is proud to call itself an innovation university that focuses on the pursuit of innovation in all its activities and offerings. An Articulated Statesman of the Education Fraternity Over the years, Prof. Hrridaysh has acquired proficiency in business innovation strategy and design-driven innovation. He focuses on structured innovation practices for organizational innovation via appropriate tools, methods, and processes. He has worked on several committees on innovation and has been a speaker at many prestigious forums. He has assisted leading companies across a range of industries through his work. A veteran personality Prof. Hrridaysh Deshpande is the Vice-Chancellor at ADYPU. He has extensive experience of 27 years in the education field. He is also the Director of Ajeenkya DY Patil Group and Grand Port Hospital, Mumbai, and a member of Governing Body & Board of Management of the University. He is a proficient, enthusiastic, and energetic educator and a global innovation facilitator, who is passionately committed to innovation, design, and education. His performance-driven self is capable of expanding the limits of traditional thinking through the development and realization of aggressive and ambitious projects. Becoming an ADYPU Student – Once in a Lifetime Experience He has been associated with the India Design Council (IDC) as its consultant advisor. Under the aegis of IDC, he spearheaded the India Design Mark program in cooperation with the Good Design Award, Japan. He has been the jury member for Good Design Awards, Japan in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 editions. He has been the jury member for the world's largest student design competition – Taiwan International Student Design Competition in 2015 and 2017. ADYPU is situated at the DY Patil Knowledge City, which is a serene campus with luscious green landscapes and top-notch architecture. The campus offers students with state-of-the-art facilities like auditoriums, studios, classrooms, video projection systems, and accommodations. ADYPU emphasizes student-centered learning, personal development, creativity, intellectual rigor, and technical ability aimed at increasing 27

28. An Overview about the ADYPU's Schools Bachelor of Design in Automobile Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, and Fashion Design • Postgraduate Programs include Master of Design in Automobile Design, Engineering Product Design, and Computer Interaction Design • Postgraduate Diploma includes Digital Modeling of delivering inspiring instruction in a stimulating environment. • Undergraduate Programs include BBA in Digital Marketing & Social Media, Film Media, and Media and Communication. • School of Engineering With a vision to better prepare engineering graduates to meet the needs of engineering employers and meet the expectations of our society to catapult India to the next generation of excellence, ADYPU created an Innovative Engineering Education for the 21st century. • School of Management • School of Hotel Management Living in these dynamic times, the way business is conducted has changed so it is imperative to change the way business management is taught too. Hence, the School of Management created a pioneering new model of business education, which is unbeatable. Focusing on developing professionals for the evolving world of hospitality, the school of Hotel Management delivers exceptional hospitality management programs that blend the international quality of hospitality with a flair for business. • Undergraduate Programs include B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology- Medical Biotechnology & Food Technology; Mechatronics, and Robotics Engineering; Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; and more. • Undergraduate Programs include BBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sales and Marketing, Family Business, and E-Commerce. • Postgraduate Programs include MBA in Business Innovation & Strategy, Media and Communication, Marketing, Finance, HR, MBA Operations Management, and Entrepreneurship. • School of Liberal Arts • Undergraduate Programs include B.Sc. Culinary Arts, B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration. • Postgraduate Programs include M.Sc. Hotel Management. • Postgraduate Programs include M.Tech in Bioengineering- Biotechnology- Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and much more. • Postgraduate Diploma includes Cyber Security and Cloud Technology. • School of Architecture The School of Architecture offers a curriculum combining the skills of logical analysis, critical judgment, and creativity to produce world-class building. It offers a well-rounded and broad- based knowledge in a variety of subjects enriching and expanding student's ability to think and communicate independently using critical, creative, and analytical skills. • School of Law The School of Law is a special place that is committed to impart exceptional legal education, which is an impeccable combination of academic rigor and hands-on practical experience. • Undergraduate Programs include B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) • Postgraduate Programs include M.Arch (Master of Architecture) • Undergraduate Programs include BA Liberal Arts with Specializations in English, Sociology, Economics, Global Affairs, and Psychology. • School of Design • School of Information Technology • Undergraduate Programs include Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) and Integrated Bachelor of Legislative Law (BA LLB) Preparing students to become top- notch analysts, programmers, developers, and administrations, the School of Information Technology is an ideal choice for IT aspirants. • Postgraduate Programs include Master of Laws (LLM) The School of Design offers highly experiential, hands-on programs with a unique learning experience to explore new ways of generating cutting-edge solutions using creativity and design principles. • School of Film and Media • Undergraduate Programs include BSc, B. Tech, and BCA in various fields. • Postgraduate Programs include MCA – Cloud Technology (CT). Nurturing the next generation of media, communication, and film professionals, the School of Film and Media thrives on a simple philosophy • Undergraduate Programs includes 28

29. Efficiently Overcoming Pandemic Hurdles platform for all the students who wish to take lessons from educators of ADYPU. Contributor by ASSOCHAM in 2020 An Exceptional Future Winning Prestigious Honors At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the university faced difficulties as the educational institutions were closed due to lockdown. In these challenging times, ADYPU's visionary leadership and its team of committed educators were able to regulate learning and meeting targets with great strategic planning. In the upcoming five years, the ADYPU aims to be recognized as one of the leading institutions in the country for academic excellence in teaching, research, and quality of service. Its guiding principles of inspiration, intuition, imagination, and innovation have been key growth drivers for the institute to flourish holistically. The university envisions that with its robust curriculum and global outlook, the students will gain positions to advise, create, and lead ventures to form a better society that will drive the innovation economy. This fusion of customized and traditional learning will create graduates that will be most desired by entrepreneurial ventures, start-ups, firms, technology-centric companies, IT sectors, and leading business consultancies. ADYPU is a prominent institute that has won many remarkable recognitions and awards under its name. Here are some of their recent titles: ADYPU quickly adopted the online learning platform and maintained the teaching-learning continuum with safety standards. It continued the learning, training, and placement drives with digital engagement activities. The school is providing online classes, conducting semester examinations regularly. Recently, ADYPU hosted the Digital Convocation for the students of the academic session 2020-2021. The institute is also starting a digital learning video • Winner of the 18th Elets World Education Awards-2021 under the category for most Promising Engineering Institute in India, Excellence in Course Curriculum & Design, and Leading University in Innovation • Achievers of Pune by Lokmat in 2021 • Innovation in Education Award by Economic Times in 2020 • Outstanding Industry and Academic 29

30. E stablished in 1991, Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (JVBI) is located in Ladnun, Dist Nagaur, Rajasthan, under the inspiring beliefs of Jain spiritual leader, Gurudev Tulsi. The Government of India notified JVBI as a Deemed-to-be University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. JVBI has taken the challenge of educating the Indian students on regular academics along with the life-sustaining philosophies. The institute aims to promote humanistic values and to integrate modern science with the ancient wisdom of the great spiritual practitioners and visionary seers by interweaving moral and spiritual norms and values with the materialistic and economic fibers of mankind to foster and develop universal human relationships for peaceful co-existence. JVBI is an endeavor in the direction of putting into practice, promoting, and propagating the high ideals of Anekant, Ahimsa, Tolerance, and Peaceful Co-existence for the welfare of mankind. JVBI is committed to providing the highest quality of educational services to the utmost satisfaction of the students and allows them to cultivate an integrated personality blended with spirituality and moral values. It welcomes the student's community, faculty members, and other staff to join in building human resources with a clear vision of global relevance. The institute has been awarded ISO Certifications like ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015- Environmental Management System, and ISO 45001:2018-Occupational Health and Safety Management System. 30

31. Kanya Mahavidyalaya, dedicated for women. JVBI has also made facilities to provide The Guiding Lights Anushasta is a moral and spiritual guide helping students along with their mental, physical, spiritual, and educational journeys. From an educational perspective, the rev. leader direct students for future endeavors and nurture them to excel to their maximum potential. Gurudev Shri Tulsi was the first constitutional Anushasta followed by his famous discipline Acharya Shri Mahaprajna and Acharya Shree Mahashraman to the present as well as the third Anushasta. infrastructure like Smart Classrooms, Student Help Center, Digital Studio, Gymnasium, Transport, Placement Cell, Exchange Programs, Sports, Auditorium, Meditation and Yoga center, Transport, Computer Lab, Skill Development Programs, and more. coaching for NET, SLET, and other competitive examinations. It has two units of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and an NCC wing under the 3 Raj Girls Battalion for the holistic development of students. • Founding Ideals JVBI follows two basic doctrines of Jain Philosophy – Anekanta and Ahimsa which imbibe self-restraint and self-discipline in a man's life. While Anekanta upholds the ultimate truth of life which is complex and has many facets, Ahimsa spreads co-existence, peace, and tolerance, forming the fundamentals of achieving serenity in life. Education on these philosophies is important, however, it is a challenging task to educate students in India on such essential aspects of life which are the building blocks of a good character, and become a successful person. All students, teaching faculty, and non-teaching staff start their pious day with prayer and meditation. • A Myriad Range of Departments Initially, JVBI started with four core departments which included the Department of Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy, Department of Prakrit and Sanskrit, Department of Yoga and Science of Living, and Department of Nonviolence and Peace. Later on, the institute did spread its wings and introduced other departments like Social Work, Education (B.Ed. and M.Ed.), English Language, and Literature. JVBI has its flagship in humanities, social science, education, philosophy, and arts. An Overview of the Institute • Top-Notch Infrastructure and Facilities JVBI has become a jostling center of human growth and excellence. It is spread across 21.5 acres of lush green land creating a spiritual ambiance to provide a peaceful atmosphere of the traditional 'Gurukul' system. Surrounded by beautiful dancing peacocks, innovative educational programs, appropriate human resource management, high-quality research, and technology-assisted monitoring mechanism enable academicians to take responsibility for the social, economic, and scientific development of the country. The University is committed to offer the up-to-date and well planned academic programmes as well as creating a conducive environment leading to research and development for students and faculty. The Institute has a rich central library having over 70,000 books and more than 6000 rare manuscripts. People from all over the world, who are interested in Jain Philosophy are frequent visitors of this Institute, where they find all academic support to complete their research on various topics related to Jainism. It offers students a state of the art JVBI has been pursuing extensively to disseminate information pertaining to oriental studies, since its establishment. To serve this purpose, the institute provides Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral programmes focusing on various dimensions of Jainism, Science of Living, Commerce, and more. The institute encourages the students to manifest their creativity under the guidance of qualified, experienced and dedicated in-house and visiting faculties. Interdisciplinary programmes offered by the departments in regular and ODL mode and help the students to achieve the goal of getting knowledge, wisdom, purity of human growth, and excellence through academics. JVBI has signed MOUs with international elite universities like FIU (USA), UNT (USA), Ghent (Belgium), etc. • Mission and Vision JVBI, an epitome of the highest ethics and conduct has made its mission to impart knowledge, employable skills, and leadership qualities in students, in addition to character building that makes JVBI education holistic and paves the way to prepare its students a global citizen. The Institute has taken the responsibility to nurture professionals, who can rightly be termed as 'Karma-Yogis'. JVBI was established with the vision of producing enlightened citizens, who can understand the values of nonviolence, compassion, amity, ethics, morality, value education, meditation and science of living, understanding religion and philosophy, and contributing to the welfare of society. In addition to the seven Postgraduate Departments the institute also runs a constituent college; Acharya Kalu 31

32. The Wall of Achievements With sheer dedication and hard work, JVBI has over the decades won many prestigious honors, recognitions, and titles for its exceptional performance. To name a few of them are: 2016 by the Worldwide Achievers • Presidential Awards to the Four Faculty Members About Industrial Collaborations and Corporate Exposure • “Guinness World Record for Yoga Postures” performed by students enrolled in Yoga and Science of Living program of Distance Education • International Institution Recognition 'Jaina Presidential Award' by Federation of Jaina Association North America • JVBI became the 'Best Deemed University in Rajasthan' as awarded by Asia Education Summit and Awards in 2018 Many students have a desire to learn outside the classroom, which JVBI supports strongly. Over the years, JVBI has signed various MoUs with institutes of national and international repute and leading industries. The present scenario depicts that JVBI has 3 international and 10 national collaborations, and 12 industrial linkages. The institute regularly organizes various student/faculty exchange programs, student training programs, training and blocks placement programs for students' enormous intense growth. The institute has a big list of published research projects and completed research projects on a wide range of topics. • 12B Status by the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi • Category 'A' by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi • Graded 'B+' by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC), Bangalore • The faculty of the Institute has been endowed with 4 Presidential Awards and has been awarded 'Dr. Sriprakash Dube Smriti Rashtriya Darshan Puraskar' by the Akhil Bharatiya Darshan Parishad for development and research in the field of Philosophy and its various branches. • 10th Rank in Top-25 Universities in India, 2019 by the Higher Education Review, Bangalore • The 20 Most Admired Universities in India, 2017 by The Knowledge Review Magazine • Asia Education Summit & Awards, 32

33. Placement In order to reach out to the Government Sector and also the corporate world for facilitating the best placements for the JVBI students, a well-designed strategy has been put in the plan by way of working with the three stakeholders – the students, the companies and the university. There exists a strong liaison with the industry for continuous monitoring of the changing trends and conditions in the global job market. Students are provided a valuable platform for interacting directly with the industry through summits, guest lectures, workshops etc. The university also conduct job fairs to facilitate a more rewarding placement session. As a result many students have been selected in NGOs, Industries, Yoga Institutions, Government Jobs etc. Envisioning the Future: Aiming at Holistic Development making students well informed by lecture-based instructions with experiential learning under an effective system of learner involvement. The institute helps students to venture beyond the scope of conventional thinking and understanding by providing rich opportunities to learn, explore, and make a difference in society. It is committed to transforming the way people think and do things through education, research, and service to society. JVBI has emerged as a significant milestone in the history and development of a comprehensive approach towards Science and Philosophy. Describing the responsibility of the teaching faculty, Prof. B.R. Dugar, the present Vice-Chancellor of JVBI, says, "We as a university believe in professionalism coupled with ethical and moral commitment leading to the development of a holistic personality. This makes us not only a different education institution but also places great responsibilities on us to maintain the highest standards of academic and moral excellence." JVBI offers an Indian as well as global experience that is both transformational and all-inclusive. It is JVBI will continue to aspire and attain the highest peaks of excellence and become a leading global university centered in India and influencing the communities in Asia and beyond. In the coming years, JVBI aims to win awards from other fields like naturopathy as it has a project under implementation- Acharya Mahaprajna Medical College & Hospital for Naturopathy and Yoga and further plans to incept a 50 bedded naturopathy hospital. 33

34. ON THE JOB TRAINING & INTERNSHIP ABROAD Malaysia • Singapore • Switzerland • Dubai • Thailand • Maldives • USA • Bhutan • Oman ASSURED JOB OPPORTUNITIES 5 Star Hotels • Airlines • Tourism Industries • Cruise lines • Resorts • Hospitals • IT Industries • Retail Companies • Luxury Malls • Airports • Railways • Industrial Canteen

35. High- Grade and Profiles Articles

36. S triving for the best and ardently working towards it has been the core objective of Himgiri Zee University (HZU), Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Established in 2005, the university has overcome the traditional boundaries of Indian society and bested itself by providing a hi-tech, flexible, and ever-demanding range of courses covering various social, educational, scientific, technical, and professional aspects of today's global market. The university provides an excellent platform to upgrade and rectify students' skills and capabilities with the help of contemporary technology and appropriate guidance. A firm advocate of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning “The World is one family”, the university is praised for its belief in condemning discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed, residence, community, gender, and religion. HZU yearns to impart knowledge covering the theoretical and practical approaches to the latest developments in their branches of study. It has its roots deeply infiltrated as one of the finest private educational hubs of the country, making it the most suitable and excellent learning center with high-level facilities and infrastructure for academics as well as research aspirants to cater to their needs. HZU strives to refine brilliant minds to live up to their aptitudes and work towards the opulence and welfare of society and the country. 36

37. The Leadership and Purpose that Laid the Foundation kind efforts of Shri Subhash Chandra, a visionary, had inculcated the founding pillars of HZU at TALEEM in 1995. informed with the contemporary demand of the global village. He has co-authored numerous books and his latest authored book “Environmental Science and Engineering” was published in 2017. With the vision to impart world-class education and promising career options to all the sections of the diverse Indian society, HZU's vice- chancellor Dr. Rakesh Ranjan, an academician, and passionate individual has been the strength of HZU. He is the reason for HZU's glorious and never-ending progress. Having done with his B.E., M.E., and Ph.D. from BITS Pilani, his resolute enthusiasm and love for teaching has completed him 25 years of service, educating students with his best capabilities besides keeping himself The history of the foundation of Himgiri Zee University (erstwhile “Himgiri Nabh Vishwavidyalaya”) goes back to the establishment of TALEEM Research Foundation as an initiative from The Essel Group of Industries to amass part of its ingenious and financial resources to contribute to the progressing economy of India. “Transnational Alternate Learning for Emancipation and Empowerment through Multimedia” abbreviated as TALEEM meaning “education and training” is a literary, scientific, and charitable society. The determined and His contribution includes 35 research papers in international journals and 52 papers at international conferences in Radial Distribution Systems. Under his supreme mentorship, faculty and HODs of all departments at HZU are working endlessly to uplift the university to new heights. His accolades include “Shiksha Rattan” at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, and being listed in Marquee's “Who's Who in the World” for Science and Technology. 37

38. Mission, Vision, and Values that Boosts the Buildout could earlier only dream about it. In its drive of implementing its targets, HZU covers a wide range of courses including science, engineering, agriculture, architecture, humanities, management, media, commerce, and arts. of the university is enhanced to match the international level and hence improvised from the preceding one. At HZU, efforts are made to make sure the students are tutored according to the demands and standards framed by the industry globally. Therefore, the university is furnished with facilities to the comfort of the students which includes hostel facilities (boys and girls), hygienic cafeteria, transportation facility (to and from the city covering 35km distance), full- stocked library, Wi-Fi connectivity, medical aid, and indoor & outdoor game facility, etc. which makes students capable to exercise their learning and practice with existing tools. HZU is a complete educational hub for any student wanting to enroll for either of the streams, Science, Engineering, Hotel Management, Humanities, Architecture, Agriculture, or Law. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the aforementioned streams in its affiliated institutes. HZU visions itself to be a top-class performer in offering value-added and state-of-the-art educational facilities for its students. The university is equipped with modernized infrastructure as well as resolute and hardworking faculties who are ready to put uncompromising efforts at their students' desks. HZU strives to be an able contender in providing the country with skill-laced and industry- ready students with a global competitive mindset. With its mission so striking and strong and the service for delivering high-quality education for aspiring students, the university wishes to emerge as a center of excellence. HZU aims to impart knowledge to students regardless of background. The university works to fulfill the dreams of learners by bringing education at their entrance, making it available to students who A Look at the Contemporary Infrastructure and Facilities Providing the best, progressive and contemporary education is the need of the hour. HZU promises to shape a thriving future for its students, for which it has equipped itself with modern infrastructure, technology- driven equipment, and functional amenities which are necessary for healthy and uninterrupted learning. From modernized classrooms and research laboratories to outdoor play areas and swimming pools, every eye 38

39. The Significant Methodologies for Crafting a Prospering Future journals and reports exclusively devoted to particular subjects besides an e-library called “Gyanadhar”. The university is renowned for its devoted, world-class faculty constantly guiding the students in the right direction. advantage to the students' careers. Effervescent Future The path that HZU has pursued with its broad vision and ardent mission to impart knowledge with ample scope of the hi-tech world and internationally acclaimed curricular and infrastructure surely promises a bright future for its students and itself. It is for its efforts that HZU has been awarded as “Best Private University'' in the years 2015 and 2018. HZU has also been awarded as “Best University in India for Placement 2020”. The motto of HZU is to modernize the education system besides retaining the traditional values that go by “education which is national in character and transnational in jurisdiction”. HZU mandates every student to undergo practical and industrial training through which they have hands-on experience of the actual working environment. The students also have compulsory internships, personality-building workshops, and motivating guest lectures which garnish their personality. Training incorporates pre-placement tests, group discussions, preparations for Technical and HR interviews, and career guidance seminars. The students have various choices from top industries and companies all over the country. The cross-industry linkages of Zee Group have an added Aiming to reach its pinnacle, the institute focuses on creating a top- class and eccentric education system to produce individuals and develop them into socially committed valuable frontrunners and entrepreneurs. The classroom interaction includes debates, seminars, assignments, group projects, and vocalization for overall development. One of the key features of the university is its up-to- date, fully-stocked library with books ranging from international authors to evergreen intellectuals as well as magazines, journals, and newspapers. The library is housed with more than 30,000 books, 4000 titles, and several 39

40. H of its founding Vice-Chancellor and Oxford Alumnus Dr. P.K Khosla. Shoolini University aspires to become a hub of top-quality education and a podium to accomplish many underprivileged students' dreams. Shoolini has been rightly recognized for its efforts in creating a change as it has been ranked among Asia's top 300 universities by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2021 Asia Rankings, making Shoolini India's 37th ranked university and 7th among all Indian Private Universities. The university stands out among the crowd for it has received mentoring from eminent scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. Shoolini University offers undergraduate and postgraduate and postgraduate diploma management programs that incorporate engineering, management, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, law, journalism, and applied sciences. The 230 plus full-time faculty - most of whom are engaged in research, at Shoolini provides the students with the perfect torchbearer to make their long career journey fruitful and satisfying. aving established itself as a forerunner in the educational sphere, Shoolini University, a name needing no introduction, has been attaining heights since its inception in 2009. The university is a highly renowned and impeccably crafted dream turned into a reality 40

41. to diversify their knowledge. Also, Shoolini has developed over 25 cutting-edge e-studios for the best classroom and online learning. In addition to academics, Shoolini also focuses on extra-curricular activities for full growth that encapsulates various theatres, auditoriums, cineplexes, indoor and outdoor gaming facilities for students' refreshments. A place for over 3800 plus students from 28 states and 8 countries, Shoolini embodies the immense potential to turn its students' dreams into reality. Enormous credit for the success of Shoolini stands with its Founder, Chancellor, and prominent scientist Dr. Prem Kumar Khosla. An Oxford alumnus, a former Vice- Chancellor of HP Agriculture University, a cheerful soul, and an optimistic leader, Dr. Khosla enthuses Shoolini to be among the Elite Club of the 'Top 200 Global Universities.' An advocate of enlarging research and development in India, Dr. Khosla's efforts have ranked Shoolini as No 1 in India in citation research in the recent QS rankings 2021. Shoolini also has a research h-Index of 73; the second-highest of any Indian institution established after 2009. with no hierarchy in ideas; zero tolerance to politics; an obligation to dissent; Career progression based on professional merit and not tenure or sycophancy • Transparency and respect in the communications and dealings with the stakeholders • Honesty and integrity in everything they do • Quality in everything they do • Decisions based on long term value rather than short term gains Set in the middle of the Himalayas, the institution is surrounded by pine and deodar forests with energy-efficient buildings and state-of-the-art laboratories, and campus life. The presence of cafeterias, open spaces, and tree huts enhances the beauty of the campus. Shoolini University is a hub of research and innovation in India. A four-tier system, mentorship program, Ph.D. focussed faculty and the guidance of visiting professors all form a great source for the students' ingrowth and cultivating ideas. The students also have exposure to the digital library, knowledge portals, and e-studios, where they can update themselves with current happenings. Shoolini has given a new way to look at research for innovators. Peer- reviewed Papers, Commercial Patents, Funded Projects, and Quality Ph.D.'s are some of its initiatives towards encouraging research. • An environment of innovation and disruption; awards for risk-takers and “out of the box” thinking The A-1 Infrastructure and an Apposite Environment Promising a bright future comes with the responsibility of providing a barrier-free environment where knowledge can grow and ideas evolve. Shoolini has been a forerunner at using ICT-enabled tools and classrooms. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a 10 GBPS Wi-Fi connection. Shoolini has a unique eUniv LMS platform, built around AI/ML technologies. The 24*7 Yogananda Knowledge Centre allows students to access a broad range of books, journals, newspapers, and magazines The Core Values of Shoolini's Success are • A perfect academic and research environment; a professional culture 41

42. The Glimpse of an Inimitable Academic Program has evolved four year BA (Hons) Liberal Arts and BSc (Hons) Research programs which are the first for any Indian University. Coursera is involved in improving the students' skillset from lecturers around the world. mandatory credit course aimed at the overall development of students in all programs on campus. • Courses on Human Values, Spirituality & Meditation, and Business Ethics, etc. that emboldens moral values in students, for ex. Bhartiya Sanskriti, Indian Mythology, Society & Culture of India, Media Laws & Ethics, Sociology, Psychology, Ethics in Research, etc. • Social Projects that include issues focusing on Health, Sanitation, Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, Environment, etc. to create awareness and gain experience. Shoolini University has a semester- based academic year. Regular vocational training and internships are carried out at the end of each semester. The Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) system is used to assess a student in a course for both theory and practical. In addition to that, Shoolini University is well-known for its unique ways of teaching and research training. Some of its features include- • eUniv is an integrated online learning platform inaugurated by former President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam which has exceptionally progressed via ICT tools. myShoolini App is another one-step innovation by the university that contains GPS based attendance system, student grievance redressal, library management, Shoolini Radio, news desk, etc. The university provides access to online databases like EBSCO, SciVal, DELNET, Amazon, etc. along with 5 million-plus eBooks and eJournals. A language lab offers 34 new language courses including German, Spanish, and Mandarin. • Summit Research Programme- SRP is India's first research-centric undergraduate program fixated around technologies like AI, Biotech, Pharma, and Food Technology. • Taking inspiration from NEP, Shoolini • SPRINT Program- Enthused by Stanford's mini-MBA program, “Skills Progression through Rapid Intensive and Innovative Training” is a 42

43. Rewards in the Form of Achievements COVID Classes and Future Prospects record, Shoolini has changed the lives of many aspiring students and their families. The Placement Cell at Shoolini looks after the training and provides proper guidance to transform an individual into an industry-ready professional. The students undergo arduous training in their final year where they are prepared to hook and crook for their future job. The unremitting efforts, inventive minds, and contemporary outlook of the institute and the students have resulted in getting over 450 students to file patents at their names. Some of the prominent institutions associated with Shoolini include IBM, LG, Mankind, Meridian, JMC Projects India Ltd, ICICI, Hindustan Unilever, HDFC, Nestle, and many more. With the advent of COVID-19, the university too shifted to online teaching and assessment. Shoolini aspires to evolve a hybrid platform and enhanced use of technologies to innovate various ways of research and teacher-to-peer interaction. The university also conducted webinars and online workshops where eminent personalities from all walks of life shared their valuable experience with the students and answered their questions. A promoter of the happiness of students and with the vision to be “a top 200 global university by 2022”, Shoolini is marching its path to worldwide success via research and innovation, outstanding infrastructure, and a Hi- tech campus. The university aspires to be a role model for growing universities around the country. Its future mission can be concluded with four points Shoolini has a list of achievements that prove its hard work and firm approach to take research to new heights. Shoolini has been ranked No. 2 in India in research in QS Asia Rankings 2021, 35th in India and 545 globally by Scimago Global rankings, 100th-150th overall (112 for Engineering, 39 for Pharma, and 75 for MBA) by NIRF. Accredited to NBA and NAAC, with 500+ patents, Shoolini is India's 3rd highest Patent Filer (2019) and No. 1 in Online Education by Education World. The engineering department has a QS Diamond rating. A notable alumni and faculty Dr. Gaurav Sharma has been awarded the World's top 1% cited scientist, making him among India's 20 top scientists. A pioneer in the research, Shoolini's 7 researchers have been nominated at Stanford University's list of top 2% scientists. Shoolini's alumni are involved with world-renowned institutions such as Stanford University, Columbia, INSEAD, Unilever, EY, PWC, Google, and many more. Shoolini is also tangled in cultural and awareness activities throughout the year starting with Republic Day, Independence Day, World Cancer Day to Women's Day, World Health Day and Swachchta Diwas were to emphasize is laid on empowerment of women, conduction of free medical check-ups, and cleanliness drive in nearby villages respectively. Moksh, an inter-university festival, and Manchtantra, an interdepartmental cultural festival are the highlights of the year. Also, SPRINT and weekly cultural evenings are organized by Shoolini's 100 plus clubs to boost up the spirit. • To provide World Class Education to the masses of the country. • To be Honest and compliant in everything we do. • To have a deep impact on the community through research and innovation. • To bring Happiness to all the stakeholders Like many other universities around the world, Shoolini too believes in presenting the best career options to its students by offering placements in notable industries and institutions. Possessing an excellent placement 43

44. E stablished in 1985, Techno India Group (TIG) stands tall as one of the largest education groups in Asia having 22 colleges, 4 universities, 12 B-schools, 25 schools, and 2 upcoming medical colleges spread across the nation. Established in 2013, Techno India University (TIU) is the Flagship University of Techno India Group. It strives to achieve excellence by the high-quality education imparted to students and maintains the student-faculty camaraderie. It provides world-class infrastructure equipped with modern technology-enabled teaching-learning tools and vigorous industry-driven curricula. The university offers education to a wide range of fields like Science, Humanities, Commerce, Law, Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Architecture, and several other courses on emerging technologies like Blockchain, IoT, Automation, Data Science, and more. It has an in-house Centre of Excellence for SAP, Robotic Process Automation, Intel FPGA, Pegasystems, and IBM Bluemix to facilitate the young minds with the best opportunities. TIG envisions inculcating habits of constant learning, encouraging creative abilities, building research temperament, and keeping abreast with state-of-the-art technology 44

45. The Dynamic Leader establish India as a global superpower, education is our ultimate weapon; it is only an educated individual that can help a country ascend to the summit of success. In his long glorious journey, the students have accomplished many honors and work for leading multinational companies around the globe. He proudly welcomes students from all sectors and categories to experience their academics under Techno India Group. A resourceful personality, Prof. Goutam Roy Chowdhury is the Chairman of Techno India Group and Chancellor of Techno India University, West Bengal. With the primary aim of educating individuals to utilize their knowledge and skillset, TIG pushes them to excel to their maximum potential. Having extensive experience of over three decades, Prof. Chowdhury is a veteran in the education fraternity. He has successfully trained thousands of students and to date, guides aspirants to achieve their desired successes. It is here at TIG where each student is given an equal opportunity to receive quality and holistic education. Prof. Chowdhury believes that to 45

46. An Overview of TIG of Science, Engineering, Management, and Humanities. Also, TIG lays a strong emphasis on research. ISRO research project is run by eminent faculty and meritorious scholars. It has acquired several projects and government grants for Techno India University. with top-notch opportunities. The university collaborates with MNC's and other recruiting organizations and international exchange programs enabling students with suitable platforms for interactions. This level of exposure helps students gain internships that give them real-life experience and make them industry- ready for their future careers. TIG has built one of the best industry- academia interfaces to leverage the best collaborative output in terms of recruitment, industry training, research, and consultancy. The university believes that education in the true sense of the term is not merely inculcating the abilities to flourish in a professional world but most importantly it's about infusing ethical and moral values required to prosper as a social and civilized human being. It provides students with a comprehensive academic syllabus instead of focusing the limelight on just being excellent academicians. About Placements and Collaborations TIU partners with top echelons of the education fraternity expanding their horizons for student's knowledge and faculty growth. Such collaborations with domestic and foreign institutes are essential to the success of global associations. The institutional collaborations reflect TIU's values of integrity, dedication, and quality education. Techno India Group aims to create a better India by efficiently preparing the youth to cater to the technological advancements of the century. TIG promises prosperous professional careers for students to every academic stream. A centralized placement cell aids in providing valuable insights regarding the campus recruitment processes and strategies, which has boosted the placement record of the university. TIU welcomes innumerable renowned corporate and academic institutes for placement drivers presenting them TIG is spread across a wide campus and is located at Salt Lake, Kolkata. It offers numerous facilities for students to pursue their academic programs. The campus is resourceful with well- furnished smart classrooms, seminar halls, digital resources, advanced laboratories, and libraries accommodating various departments TIU has also formed Eastern India's first mentorship-driven incubation center named Technopreneurs Surrogate Ventures Pvt. Ltd. to give the best shape to budding entrepreneurs and startups 46

47. A Proud Moment A Word about the Conference present on the dais along with the Chancellor, CO-Chancellor, and Pro- Vice-Chancellor. Students have been awarded their degrees along with gold, silver, and bronze medals. They have taken the oath to utilize this achievement for the country. TIU looks forward to seeing India one step ahead through good education. Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee Merit Scholarship was officially declared on the 24th of July, 2019 by the former President of India. Techno India University, West Bengal is the first university to take this opportunity to introduce this scholarship and it is a great honor and a symbol of national pride for TIU. Every year one meritorious student will get this opportunity to get this scholarship along with a certificate issued by the Bharat Ratna. This scholarship will enable students to concentrate on increasing their knowledge and skills in the field of Science and Technology to connect India globally. Techno India University annually organizes the IEEE International Conference on Computer, Electrical, and Communication Engineering (ICCECE). Every year, this conference witnesses journal submissions from academicians and scholars across the globe. International participants also put forward their research contributions via Skype. ICCECE witnesses keynote speeches by professors from IITs, ISI as well as industry professionals. All accepted papers are submitted for inclusion into IEEE Xplore Digital Library which in itself speaks volumes about the quality of research publications encouraged at this premier conference. Transcending Students into Socially Responsible Citizens In the present age where ethical values are gradually disappearing, Techno India Group ensures a wide- ranging development cultivating adaptation of ethics, morality, and healthy practices among students. The students are made aware of their social responsibilities as citizens and learn to evolve as conscious individuals. Environmental conservation programs, as well as health-related workshops, are organized here and an evaluation process is conducted for the work carried out with allotted credit points to ensure the commitment of students to such activities. The Annual Convocation of Techno India University always tries to reach the historic way of execution to encourage the students and the society. This year Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee was the Chief Guest along with the Governor of West Bengal, Shri Kesari Nath Tripathi on the same dais with Padma Shri Birmal Roy. The Direction of IIT-Kharagpur, NIT Durgapur, and Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Secretary of Department of Science and Technology (DST) were TIU's transaction in Intelligent Computing is a distinguished initiative in the field of Engineering that serves as an efficient global platform for the academic enrichment of students across the globe. The accepted journals are available for printed as well as online versions. TTIC is inevitably a unique endeavor in the field of Engineering & Technology. 47

48. Brief About the Author Sonam Arora Ph.D. Scholar, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, India The author is a Ph.D. scholar of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, India with a specialization in education, economics, and development. She completed her M.Phil in Educational Planning from the same institute and Masters in Economics from Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune. Her research interests include gender, education, labor, internationalization of higher education, and growth & development. She writes for national and international journals and her research findings have also been published as book chapters. E ducation, the building block of a modern knowledge economy, is a key determinant of human capital that enters the growth and development of a country. The educators and policymakers consider education an indispensable asset that can transform human capabilities into economic and social outcomes in society and therefore, the Government of India has laid huge importance in improving the Indian Education System (IES) in the recent decades. India has seen a massive rise in access to education with near-universal enrolment in primary education, impressive improvements in secondary and higher secondary schooling. Higher education systems are also expanding across the world and India has undergone a profound transformation. The worrisome issue is the quality of education that is lagging despite a decade of considerable investment in school education. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER,2016) recorded that only 43 percent of children in grade III could read a grade I textbook and reading levels among grade V government school students remained stagnant at 42 percent since 2014 which in fact has fallen since 2010. Two-fifth of India's children under five are stunted and do not develop the cognitive skills that will enable them to tap their full human potential (Pratham, 2017). Such non-improving standards pose a greater threat to the future of our 21st-century learners as lower educational levels dampen the job prospects in the long run. If this persists, the rising trend of joblessness of unskilled individuals will lead to a vicious circle of poverty as education is detrimental in reducing poverty and rising standards of living. 48

49. programme designed to facilitate investment, foster innovation, and enhance skill development, and Startup India, which provides a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship. The present era is focusing more on skills, innovation, and technology which are highly progressive and competitive in nature. Adding to this is the Industrial Revolution 4.0 which is expected to change the future of work with automation and intercommunication which will affect the employment dynamics. Given the rapidly changing scenario, the golden rule is to maximize the potential of 21st-century learners and prepare them for the future of work. When proper skills are imparted to the learners right in their initial years of schooling, they'll be able to thrive in a globally competitive world when they enter the job market. the capacity to use technology and recognize new ways of problem- solving. According to the coalition P-21 (Partnership for 21st Century Learning), the four Cs- Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration are essentially called the “21st-century learning skills”. The other important skills are Entrepreneurship and Emotional Intelligence. In other words, these skills are basically a set of abilities that learners need to develop in order to succeed in the information age. These K-12 skills can be categorized as (a) learning skills (the four Cs- creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration); (b) literacy skills (information, media, and technology), and; (c) life skills (flexibility, initiative, productivity, and social skills). In order to create a pool of skilled workforce, the teaching-learning practices have to be extremely engaging that involve the learners, and inculcate mental as well as emotional abilities. Numerous reports and studies have emphasized on the educational risks faced by 21st-century learners. The IES has witnessed a paradigm shift in recent times, moving from guru- oriented learning systems to private schooling and coaching learning systems (also known as the third emerging sector of education). This is because the horizon of today's culture has expanded its limits as a response to rapid globalization, internationalization, and urbanization. Consequently, the educational agendas have shifted from “three Rs'' (reading, writing, and arithmetic) to the K-12 setting that becomes a prerequisite in the process of preparing students to work independently with minimum or no supervision. With the changing dynamics of education and employment due to increased integration with the international world and rising exposure to artificial intelligence, our 21st-century learners and potential job seekers are not work-ready and lack relevant skills. UNICEF has warned that by 2030, over half of the Indian students will not have skills for 21st-century jobs. Hence, the onus of the future of our learners and the country lies with the educators, practitioners, and policymakers/administrators. There is a need to examine the current scenario of education as a response to the recent developments worldwide and devise a strategy that targets the creation of a skilled-employable workforce that is work-ready. “A generation ago, teachers could expect that what they taught would last their students a lifetime. Today, because of rapid economic and social change, schools have to prepare students for jobs that have not been created, technologies that have not yet been invented and problems that we don't yet know will arise. And success will go to those individuals and countries that are swift to adapt, slow to resist, and open to change. The task for educators and policymakers is to help countries rise to this challenge.” - OECD The education system and job markets have become dynamic for which educators will have to be equipped with the technology and make classrooms more technology-intensive. The new pedagogy will have to include digital and cloud computing mechanisms. The idea of education in the 21st century is to necessarily impart learning that is sustainable through developing skills valued in real life and equip lifelong learning as opposed to learning that results in short-term outcomes. In order to foster motivated and dedicated learners, we have to drift away from reproducing content knowledge to extrapolating what we know and utilize it in a creative fashion under complex circumstances. Hence, in order to create a productive, skilled, and employable workforce for the future, we need to broaden our concept of education and make it more technology-driven, innovative, and versatile. This will have a positive impact on the educational performance of our learners, broaden their vision and enhance their socio- economic wellbeing in the future. The key players to bring about such a transformation in the education system are our teachers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers as these skills go beyond academic excellence to include soft skills, entrepreneurial skills, emotional intelligence, media literacy, etc... Education today has to focus on Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha learners (those living with technology at their fingertips) as the challenge is to keep growing at a pace that matches the fast-growing world of technology and innovation. Education is becoming more about ways of thinking, involving creativity, critical thinking, and much more with India has one of the youngest populations in the aging world and therefore enjoys a rapid productivity growth of its talent pool and excellence in the global world. The Times of Higher Education rankings showed 31 Indian universities among the top 980 worldwide. It reflects how our education system is rapidly improving in transforming the young talent into productive factors of economic growth and development. Coupled with these trends are the latest Government initiatives for eg. Make in India, which is a major national 49

50. T he coronavirus outbreak has no end in sight, the new strain is setting off its alarm and the number of cases is hitting all records. The news constantly flashes creating havoc among the masses to reconsider the way of living and adapting to the new normal. With every industry undergoing a breakdown, higher education is no exception. According to a survey by UNICEF, the COVID-19 pandemic has stagnated the educational systems including schools, colleges, institutes, and universities around the world, affecting over 1.5 billion students, which is almost 90% of the world student population. However, the education field cannot shut down and risk the careers of millions, the education stakeholders have switched to alternative ways of providing education to ensure the continuity of teachers and learning. This is where most countries rushed to online distance education using the various online platforms, encouraging e- learning around the globe and shifting to a virtual content creation space. In the time of setbacks, innovation drives the need of the hour and resolves the hurdles arising on a day-to-day basis. Marking a new era in national and international study, the education system is rebuilding itself and discovering the new learning methods delivered in a blended format. The education committee is now more than willing to join hands and collaborate through public- private partnerships to leverage 5digital technology for the best outcome. 50