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Priyasi Parmar  

Shoolini University has initiated a unique set of daily live webinars, under Yogananda Webinar Guru Series, aimed at bringing experts and professionals to share their experiences with the students and faculty of the University. The webinars are telecast live on various social media platforms like Facebook Live and YouTube.

All those watching and listening can interact with the guest speakers in real-time. The series began with Dr Dinesh Singh, former VC, Delhi University talking about “Unleashing the Power of the Web”. He explained how webinars had unlocked pedagogies by utilising the online platform as a medium of learning and exploring. He also underlined transdisciplinary and interconnected knowledge.

Mr Vivek Atray, a former IAS officer, author and TEDx speaker, spoke about success and its goodwill. Talking about enhancing various life skills that contribute to the making of a successful person, he focused on 3 big C’s: Calmness, Creativity and Communication.?

Mr Pawan Jha, a Hindi film music aficionado and researcher, explored the rich heritage of Hindi film music and made an interesting presentation on the evolution of music in the Hindi film industry. He highlighted trendsetters and how these drastically shaped music and musicians.

Mr Yashodeep Deodhar, creator of “21 Notes Valmiki’s Ramayan,” former consultant with McKinsey and a successful owner of Derrick Petroleum Services in the global oil and gas industry, delivered his lecture on the relevance of Valmiki’s Ramayan. He focussed on how Indian epics – The Ramayan and The Mahabharata – also engraved in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, are a tribute to perfect human behaviour.

Mr Anirban Bhattacharya, an accomplished vocalist and musician mentored by none other than gurus like Pandit Ajay Chakrabarty and Pandit Birju Maharaj, spoke on the intricacies of music (raga) and its composition. He referred to some great Hindi films like Sur Sangam and Amar Prem which had a strong presence of Ragas in their songs. 

Mr Bobby D’Souza, a motivational speaker, addressed the audience on “Minds of the Strong”. He gave tips on how to develop a mind strong enough to cope with adversity. In essence, his talk was about his perception of analysing bad news, augmenting resilience and preparing oneself to battle fear by maintaining calmness. Mainly focusing on one’s control over the mind, he added: “Go through the crisis without letting a crisis go through you.”

An hour-long inspiring, stimulating and candid conversation with one of the most charismatic cricketers of all time, Yuvraj Singh.

Let’s go through the fascinating journey of his life, from a small-town chubby boy to India’s celebrated champion.

Let’s understand what motivates him, what drives him, the climb, the struggle, the fight against cancer, he shares it all! A young and conscious leader, a philanthropist, let’s hear from the warrior himself — Yuvraj Singh!

Impressed with the University endeavour of online classes, grateful parents share their views and suggestions.

Manish Malik
Shoolini University switched over to online classes within just a few days of the announcement of lockdown in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. There was no disruption in studies and students resumed regular lessons as per a fixed timetable. Impressed with the University endeavour, the grateful parents of students shared their views and suggestions. They were all unanimous that this initiative would go a long way in keeping the students constructively occupied and help save the semester.

Mrs Sonal Gupta, mother of Shriya Mahajan, a student of BBA (FY) expressed her “heartfelt gratitude to the University management for starting online classes for their students without any delay. Classes being conducted by the esteemed faculty members are effective and up to the mark. It does not feel that my daughter is missing out on her formal education,” she added.

Mr Pabitra Kumar Bishoyi, father of Kalpesh, a student of MSc Biotech (second semester), said online classes enabled students to remain in touch with academics. “We also heard about personality development classes and webinars being hosted online. This is an awesome initiative,” he added. 
Mr Subho Bhaumik, father of Anukalpa Bhaumik, a student of BSc Physics (second semester), said, “Online classes are a great help in keeping students busy in academics. They will compensate the loss in studies on the campus, so that students do not lose out on anything during the coronavirus outbreak.”

Dr Jagmohan Balokhra, father of Deepak Balokhra (MBA Quad 4), said, “At a time when everything is coming to a standstill, Shoolini University has made education a new thrill. The University faculty knows how to maintain the strength of their bonds with students.”

Mr Ramesh Chander Sharma, father of Shivani Sharma (ME eighth semester) and Aman Dev Sharma (ME fourth semester), said he was very impressed and happy with the University management and faculty for creating academic bonding with students through virtual learning and multi-disciplinary webinars.

Mr Navin Chandra, father of Yash Chandra, a semester 2 student of Journalism and Mass Communication, said he highly appreciated the idea of online classes that were engaging. His son was able to interact with teachers, unlike some other institutions, which merely sent a pre-recorded video of the specific class, he elaborated. 

Mr Madan Mohan Shandil, father of Haren Shandil, first year student of Hospitality and Hotel Management, said, “Mujhe khushi hai ki aisi paristhitiyon mein bhi University aur teachers bacchon ke future ke bare mein soch rahe hain. Aur aasha hai ki webinar bhi bacchon ki knowledge badhane mein bahut help karega.” (I am happy to see that the University and its teachers are thinking about the future of students even during these difficult times. The webinars too would greatly help in increasing the knowledge of students.)

“Marvellous job being done by the University. The management should also consider taking exams online, as the current problem is likely to continue for months,” said Mr Shailesh Pathak, father of Shwetamber Pathak, CSE eighth semester.

Mr Sunil Bhalla, whose daughter Samriti Bhalla is pursuing BSc in Yoga and Naturopathy, said Shoolini university was making great efforts by giving live lectures online. “This has enabled students to study well while staying healthy and safe. A big thanks to the teachers who are leaving no stone unturned for the betterment of our children,” he added.

Mr Parvesh Kumar, father of Sheetal, a student of MSc Biotech (fourth semester), appreciated the initiative taken by the University to engage students in studies by using online portals. “We thank Shoolini University for setting up a great example of digital India. Even during this difficult period of lockdown, Shoolini is keeping its students busy through online learning and making them utilise this time in the best possible way.

“Our daughter is in the final year of her degree programme and we were worried about her studies, but now we are reassured about her future,” said Mrs Deepika Abbhi and Mr Vimal Jeet, parents of Vanshika, a student of B Tech Biotech (SRP) eighth semester.

Mrs Leelamma Paul, mother of Caroline Paul, fourth semester student of Pharmacy, appreciated the efforts of the University in starting online education. She said apart from a few technical glitches, the virtual classrooms were running smoothly.

Mrs Shivani Gupta, mother of Mansi Gupta, a fourth semester student of Journalism and Mass Communication, said, “We are happy to see our child carrying forward her studies through these online classes and gaining additional knowledge through the Guru Series as well. The initiative of starting online classes not only keeps her busy but has also reassured all parents that studies would not be affected under any circumstances.” 

Mr Rajesh Kumar Joshi, father of Charul Joshi, a student of BSc (H) Physics second semester, said, “We chose Shoolini University for higher studies of my daughter because this University has made a name for itself in a short span of time. The introduction of online classes during coronavirus outbreak is a momentous step taken by the University management.

Ronika Angelina   

Shoolini University has taken a pioneering and innovative step in introducing virtual classes and online learning for students in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. This step is in line with similar systems introduced by leading global universities like Oxford and Harvard. 

After initial glitches, due to heavy load on the servers, around 90 per cent of classes were made operational within a week. The University also took the help of other apps to facilitate virtual classrooms through E-Univ. The students are able to attend live lecture through the virtual classrooms. They can also ask questions and get answers in real time. 

Protect the semester

“We introduced the system to protect the semester and ensure that the students do not suffer from postponed examinations, and delayed graduation,” said Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Atul Khosla.? ? “All lectures will now be held as per the scheduled time table, albeit in virtual space. We shall ensure that not a single day of study should be lost and students should graduate on time,” he added.

Prof Khosla said the system enables the students to interact with teachers who can make use of other technological tools such as graphs and power point presentations. The system includes provision for conducting examinations in a secure environment, he added.   

Explaining the quick transition from regular lectures, he said that Shoolini University researchers and the IT team had been working on the online learning system for the last several months which was an extension of the E-Univ system already enforced in the University. Under the E-Univ system, lectures are recorded in a capsule form which can be accessed by students at any time. 

Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, Shoolini University is way ahead in the sphere of placements.

‘Even the lockdown period has not deterred us. Nearly 80 per cent of our MBA students have already found rewarding placements,’” says Director-General Mr Arvind Nanda.

He said the Placement Drive began in October 2019, much before Coronavirus raised its head early this year, and now over 200 of our final year students have already found employment (including 125 MBA and 75 students of Engineering and other programs) with top companies like Airtel and Hindustan Unilever.”

The university is actively pursuing some leading companies and has initiated the hiring processes through video/telephone calls.

The second key advantage at Shoolini is the tremendous credibility that has been built as a preferred institute among many of its key recruiters.

‘This has been possible because our alumni have consistently outperformed others in similar roles. Also, our industry partners have assured that Shoolini would be their top choice once the requirements are re-assessed, post-Corona pandemic,’” Mr Nanda said, adding, ‘it seems imminent that the placement process would get extended this year beyond the usual period.’

He pointed out that an IT company had recently recruited 17 students with a package of Rs 5 lakh per annum. Their online training had begun on April 1.

Mr Nanda said instead of a physical invitation to companies, Shoolini University had now shifted to online tests with video and telephonic interviews.

Also read: Placement Ratio or Skill Development: What is the Focus of Shoolini’s Management School?

Admission team sparing no effort to guide students through career counselling, filling up online forms, taking online exams, interviews, and finalising admissions

Shoolini University is making history! The prompt resumption of classes through e-univ has put our university at the top again, giving a head start to provisional admissions for the next session. There has been no disruption in academics for over 3,000 students, allaying all fears of prospective students and their parents.

Our admission process began in full force last month and has been continuing online after the lockdown in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

The admission team, led by Shoolini University Vice President Ms Avnee Khosla, is sparing no effort to help students get career counselling, fill up online forms, take online exams, conduct interviews and finalise admissions. She said students whose results have not been announced or those who secure a seat can obtain provisional registration by paying a nominal registration fee. “This fee is fully refundable till August 15,” she said. 

“The entire admission process of Shoolini University is now online. Right from filling up your form, to counseling and taking various Shoolini online exams, everything can be done from home. The admission is through JEE/NEET/CAT/MAT and other standard exams or through our own entrance exams for all our UG/PG and PhD courses,” the Vice President elaborated. 

Referring to availability of scholarships, she said, “Our attempt is to ensure that no capable student misses out on quality higher education due to lack of financial resources. We offer a range of scholarships, almost 200 plus, worth more than Rs 2 crore every year.”

Talking about the registration fee, she said the online application fee was Rs 850 and the pre-admission enrollment and registration fee was Rs 20,000, which was completely refundable.

As a multidisciplinary university, more than 100 programmes across 14 schools and 7 faculties are available. These range from deep research centric areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, Sciences and liberal arts programmes in Yoga, English and Journalism. 

Replying to a question on new programmes being introduced this year, she said “Our endeavour is to introduce new innovation-led and specialised programmes every year. This year, we have introduced 20 new programmes in areas such as, Mechatronics, Culinary Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Genetics, Tourism and Data Science.

More plus points for Shoolini University Admission 2020

Himachal as a state, believes Ms Khosla, was naturally quarantined, given the geographical advantage, lack of an international airport and lower population density. Going forward too, Himachal will recover “better and faster than the rest of India”. With good infrastructure, outstanding faculty and career-oriented courses, students were bound to repose faith in the University.

Ten-year-old Shoolini University celebrated its 16th Foundation Day today. It was on this day in 2007 that the foundation stone of its first building was laid on the campus at Bajhol near here.

In view of the closure of the campus due to the coronavirus outbreak, no festivities could be organised, but Vice Chancellor Prof P K Khosla greeted the students, faculty and the staff to mark the memorable occasion.

Greeting them on Baisakhi and the 16th Foundation Day, Prof Khosla said he was happy to share that the University had taken a lead over most other institutions in the country in quickly adopting e-learning through virtual classrooms. “We have been able to do so because our IT team has been working on this model for quite some time.

It was several years ago that we embraced e-Univ technology,” he said, adding that the University was able to start online classes within three days of the lockdown.
Prof Khosla said that with little likelihood of return to normalcy in the next couple of months, the University was working on taking end-term online examinations with the aim of saving the Semester for its diligent students.

While examinations for the theory portion of various subjects would be taken online, practical examinations would be taken after conducting special practical classes on weekends or during extended University timings, once the campus re-opened, he stated.
In order to enhance the learning experience of students, the University has also introduced daily Yogananda Webinars for students and faculty.

Eminent persons from various fields throw light on subjects of their expertise through interactive media tools.

Among those who have participated in webinars so far are former Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dr Dinesh Singh, former IAS officer and inspirational speaker Mr Vivek Atray, film critic and technocrat Mr Pavan Jha and the 21Notes Valmiki Ramayan creator Yashoodeep Deodhar.

Thanking the students and their parents, as well as the faculty for cooperating during these difficult times, the Vice Chancellor said measures were being taken to ensure that other significant activities of the University, such as placements and admissions, continued smoothly.

“Our Placement team has been active since October last year — much before the outbreak of Coronavirus — and has finalised over 200 campus placements. It is now continuing the effort through organising online interviews,” he added.

Shoolini University has donated Rs. five lakh to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for those adversely affected by the outbreak of coronavirus.

The entire faculty and staff of the University, barring the daily paid workers, have contributed one day’s salary towards the Rs. five lakh fund.

The balance of the amount would be contributed by the Foundation for Life Sciences and Business Management (FLSBM), the Trust which runs the University.

Vice Chancellor Prof P K Khosla, while announcing the contribution, said that the University was open for any support that the state government may desire during these difficult times.

Prof Khosla said the University was already taking care of all the labour and daily paid workers who were employed on various projects and was providing them food and lodging free of cost.

In addition, he said, the University is taking care of about 200 students, including foreign students and those from far off states, who are staying back in hostels.

Special measures like yoga classes and skill development classes are being organised for them keeping social distancing in view.

Meanwhile, the University has introduced virtual classrooms for students and regular classes are being taken online with the help of University’s own e-Univ system as well as other social media platforms.

With the ongoing crisis of Corona and resultant delay in academic activities, it’s understandable that we are all worried about the future. Several people have reached out to us and expressed concern about their/their children’s future due to postponement of XII class board exams and results across streams.?

At Shoolini University, we are always working to find solutions to make our world-class education accessible for everyone. Given the extraordinary circumstances and uncertainty, we have launched the facility of ‘provisional admission’. 

If your regular class XII result is awaited, but you have 60% in your X board exam and a valid exam admit card for class XII , we will evaluate your UG admission application for ‘Provisional Admission’ for 2020.?

For admissions into our PG programs, we will consider a minimum of 55% aggregate up to pre-final semester of graduation in relevant stream and provide ‘Provisional Admission’ for 2020.

Please note that provisional admission will be accepted later on qualifying as per eligibility of the selected course. In case of a withdrawal up to 15th August, the University will refund 100% of the fee, except admission form charges.

Himachal-based Shoolini University has taken a pioneering and innovative step in introducing e-classes and online learning for students in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

Lectures would be delivered through a special platform developed by faculty and students of the University through the Internet.

The students would be able to attend the delivery of the live lecture through virtual classroom.They would also be able to ask questions and get answers in real time.

“We have introduced the system to protect the semester and ensure that the students do not suffer from postponed examinations and delayed graduation”, said Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla.

“All lectures will now happen as per the scheduled time table, albeit in virtual space. We shall ensure that not a single day of study should be lost and students should graduate on time”, he added. Fortunately, Shoolini University researchers had been working on the online learning system for the last six months which was an extension of the e-Univ system already enforced in the University.

Under the e-Univ system, lectures are recorded in a capsule form which can be accessed by students any time. The live lectures introduced now would be recorded and would also be available for the students later.

Prof Khosla said the new system would enable the students to interact with the lecturer who can make use of other technological tools such as graphs and power point presentations.

The system includes provision for conducting examinations in a secure environment, he added.