Category: Uncategorized

SHAINA CHAUHAN

Pretty Baglat, a student in Master Degree in Computer Science, shares her experience abroad as an exchange student. Pretty, who belongs to Shimla, said she always dreamt to study abroad.

“During my graduation itself I started looking for opportunities abroad under the student exchange programme or short term internships. I got this opportunity now and luckily I was selected to study under student exchange programme at University of Naples, Federico II, Italy”.

It is the first time that she travelled outside the country and recalls how after landing in Naples, she had mixed emotions of being excited and nervous at the same time. She said it was a total cultural shock and very overwhelming as her dream had come true.

“I was awe struck with the first experience in Naples” she said and recounted how she felt handicapped due to complete lack of knowledge about the Italian language. Her next shock, or rather surprise, was the typical Italian food i.e Pizza and Pasta and many other dishes about which she had never heard earlier. Streets have open but covered sitting places outside cafe bars, pizzerias and restaurants which is not so common in India.

Asked how that country was different from India, she said the entire atmosphere was different. “Almost all European countries, but especially Italy, have preserved their ancient ruins, architectures, museums and other historical places as they were” she says but regretted that in India neither the government nor the people make sincere efforts to preserve our ancient historical architectures. “Then, first Sunday of every month is free to visit any historical museum or other places, which I have never seen in India”.

She described Italy as extremely beautiful, with stunning scenic beauty and a rich tradition of art and culture. Talking about the Education system, Pretty said that, it was very flexible in terms of exams schedule and few hours of lectures in a week which gives enormous amount of time for self-study. “Nice, kind and very helpful people around me have made my stay wonderful”, she added.

Her faculty in-charge is Professor Ettore Napoli. On being asked about the teaching style she said most professors teach via power-point presentations and each subject has some hours in a week whereas for the rest of the week students can either go for part time job or/and self- study based on their projects and courses. Among the places she has so far visited are Royal Palace of Naples Lungomare/Mergilina, Centro storico, Bagnioli, Castel del Nuovo, Vomero and National archeological museum of Naples.

Among her new friends there are Claudia, Pratibha and others. She said that apart from academics, such cultural exchange programmes make you more independent and self-reliant. These make you learn so many new things, face new challenges in terms of new language barrier and communication.

Vice-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla spoke on a wide variety of topics including the rankings and future plans of the Shoolini University in an interview with KHYAATI SHARMA. Excerpts from the interview:

How much is Shoolini University away from achieving its target of being among the top 200 Global Universities by 2022?

The vision for Shoolini was conceived when I heard former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam saying that none of the Indian Universities is in the top 200 list of the global rankings. We have a well-thought-of plan to follow in the next three years to achieve its target. It is achievable. We will do it for sure.

What is the importance of research for the university to be in the global rankings?

Shoolini is focusing on the Times Higher Education (THE) International system of rankings in which 60 per cent marks are for research. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are the only global performance tables that judge research-intensive universities across all their core missions: teaching, research, research influence, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

Any university that gets at least 50 per cent marks in the field of research will get on the list of top 200 global universities. In THE ranking system, there are two units of research viz. Citation Research and general research both contribute 30 per cent each to the criteria of rankings. With a 1.89 citation index, Shoolini is already the third-best in the country. For the global ranking system, the university requires a field index of 2.2 and we are not far from that.

What do you feel are the challenges for Shoolini to operate at the global level?

I believe there are four major challenges for Shoolini in terms of global rankings. The first is reputation. Since we are still a young university, it takes time to establish the name of the institution. Secondly, the industry-academia partnership is very important and we are developing this area for the better future of the students. Also, the international students and faculty studying and working in universities matter a lot.

We already have many international students and about two dozen international teachers working on the campus but I believe, we need to focus more on international relations. We need at least 40 teachers in the next three years. Lastly, getting extramural grants for the university remains a big challenge too and it is the main focus. The university has already been granted a fund of Rs 30 crore in the last three years.

Why are other Universities not doing it?

The first reason for this, I believe, is that the University is led by persons who are determined and passionate to make it. As the VC, I spend more than half of my time thinking of making it a better place to study, grow and live! In rankings, you compete with your own self. In the Indian system of rankings, there is more focus on quantity whereas, in the international ranking system, quality is what matters the most.

Talking about the new session, are there any new courses planned for this year?

Yes, we are starting some new programmes. Besides PhD in Yoga, we are adding Master’s and doctoral programmes to the Agricultural Sciences. We recently started the Hotel Management, Yoga, English and Law and plan to start a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism.

Which courses are the most popular among new students?

Pharmacy and MBA are two very popular and sought-after courses for the students seeking admissions. Also, biotech and other research-based courses gain much attention.

What is the current scenario of the placements of 2019?

Like every year, students are placed with good companies. This year we are doing even better. Various companies are queuing up to pick up students for jobs. Even Engineering students from our University are getting good placement offers. I believe that there are five parameters that are essential for any student to get a good job i.e. physical personality (grooming), communication skills both in Hindi and English, aptitude, managerial capabilities, and expertise in the subject concerned.

RONIKA ANGELINA

A two-day theatre workshop conducted by Ankur Saxena, a Yavanikan from Yavanika Theatre Society, National School of Drama in the University campus, proved to be a fun and learning exercise. It was a comprehensive workshop that covered physical body movements, voice connection, working with objects, props and sound.

The participants got to learn how to move the upper part of body while keeping the lower part still and vice versa. They were also assigned with a task of writing a poem and recite it in front of everyone present so as to boost their confidence and to overcome anxiety. Saxena said, “Physical warm-up is very essential so as to keep focus on what you are doing and experiencing”.

On being asked about the future of theatres from the perspective of electronic and social media influence he said, “Theatre is an institution at the heart of world cultures for millennia. It now confronts unmatched challenges in a rapidly evolving society.”

He added that, electronic and digital technologies have spawned an array of media, from 3D movies to crowd sourced videos like YouTube to smartphones to compete with stage. He along with his team would be analysing theatre productions with respect to theatre genres with electronic and social media.

VAISHNAVI SOOD

To be in front of a camera, watching a busy newsroom and being in a television studio is a part of every Journalism student’s wish list. Students of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication got this opportunity when they visited the News18 Television studio in Chandigarh on April 26.

Located in the Industrial Area, Phase-2, News18 studio is one of the most advanced TV stations in the region including Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. As the Journalism students, accompanied by Ms Ranjna Thakur, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management Sciences and Liberal Arts, arrived at the studio, Mr Sumant Kumar Issar, a Senior Executive (Admin) with the News 18 group gave us an overview and took us for a round of the Programme Control Room (PCR), studio and the newsroom.

In the PCR, we were told about the basic working of the audio console, the process of how the entire content (ticker, headlines, logos, audio-visuals, chroma or the background, etc.) is managed and how the panel coordinates with the reporters and anchors. Students were most excited to visit the TV studio where there were two different sets for the news bulletins and debates. We were told about the various technicalities including how the camera is operated, frames are set for different news programmes, lighting is adjusted, the teleprompter is managed, etc.

In the newsroom, we were briefed by Mr Ritesh Lakhi, Senior Editor, News18 Punjab as he told us about the various departments in the editorial section and their functions. The newsfloor was also divided into various departments like input and production staff, senior editors, graphics department and archives.

We were amazed to know that over 30 to 40 editors work on the desk in various departments at all times while most people often tend to ignore this aspect of the news process in the electronic media. Coincidentally, all the girl students also got an exciting opportunity to shoot a small sequence with one of the News18 anchors for the promotional video of one of their special shows ‘Mahila Rath’.

It was a bright summer day and the weather was extremely hot but getting that feeling of being in front of the camera for the first time (even if for a couple of minutes) was an exciting experience. We also got to interact with Mr Jyoti Kamal, Cluster Head and Senior Editor, CNN News18, News18 Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Network18. He shared many important insights into electronic media and also gave useful career tips.

Responding to queries by the journalism students who aspire to be TV anchors, he said that the first step is joining a TV studio and doing all the work and assignments allocated to them. He noted that the most common problem he faces with the new joinees is that they wish to start anchoring right away but it is important to understand that they need to enhance their knowledge and skills and learn other technicalities as well before they can go on to host shows or news bulletins.

He also recommended students to do internships if possible, to utilise various opportunities provided by their institution and also to create and share their content using various digital platforms like YouTube and blogs. All of them were very generous to share their experiences, patiently listen to our queries and clear our doubts. The visit to the TV studio was definitely an exciting learning experience for all of us.

Parul Mittal, MBA final year student, placed with Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

Incredible and extraordinary are the two words that define my journey with Shoolini University. The two years of my post-graduation have been the best years of my life. The MBA programme has not only improved me academically but also helped me transform into an individual who is now ready to join the corporate world. The responsibilities of the student coordinator for the Placement Committee have been the highlight of my journey.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr Kuldeep Rojhe and Dr Nitin Gupta. Their unconditional support has made me grow into a more responsible and proficient person. It was their trust in me that helped me to get placed with Hindustan Unilever Limited, the biggest MNC in the FMCG Sector.

I have no words to describe how grateful I am to Shoolini University, all the faculty members and all those who supported me in my journey. It has been my immense pleasure to associate with this University and to achieve a chance of getting hired by HUL as a part of the Campus Placement Drive.

Placed with ICICI Securities

Life at Shoolini University has been a great experience and I plan to make the most out of the time that is left. My experience at Shoolini University, by far has been amazing. I have learned and experienced so many new things during the last 5 years of my graduation and post-graduation.

In July 2014, I undertook the B.Com (Hons) course, after that, I pursued my studies in MBA and am specialising in marketing and finance. Now, I have been placed in one of the leading financial sector companies, ICICI Securities. I would like to extend my huge thanks to Shoolini University, especially thanks to all the Faculty of Management Sciences for their immense support and guidance.

Placed with Eazy Diner

Coming from an entirely different place, Patna in Bihar, I had an amazing experience with Shoolini University. I came to know about Shoolini University through one of my friends and through internet. It has a diverse and friendly environment, a world-class infrastructure, an experienced faculty as well as a great study module.

Shoolini University puts in a lot of efforts for the placement of its students. I have been placed with “Eazy Diner”, a 3 years old start-up which will provide me with ample opportunities to grow in the marketing field.

Looking at myself two years back, I see a lot of positive changes. I have enhanced my public speaking skills, my stage fear has lessened to a great deal, along with the enhancement of my technical skills in the field of marketing.

VAISHNAVI SOOD

Thyroid is a chronic disease that’s becoming increasingly common. The potency of medications increases for a patient with time. However, there is no permanent cure for the disease. Experts at Shoolini University are working on yoga techniques for thyroid. Dr Subodh Saurabh Singh and Dr Mala Tripathi of Shoolini University have filed a patent titled ‘Specific yoga protocol effective for hypothyroidism patients’.

What is Thyroid?

Caused by a small gland in the neck that makes thyroid hormones, Thyroid is a common health concern. Generally, these hormones are necessary for all the cells in the body to work normally. Sometimes the thyroid makes too much or too little of these hormones. Too much thyroid hormone is called ‘hyperthyroidism’. It may cause many of your body’s functions to speed up.

Thyroid disorders are common and tend to occur in women. However, men, teenagers, children and babies can be affected too. Data shows that one in 20 persons has some kind of thyroid disorder, which may be temporary or permanent.

The 23-minute yoga techniques for thyroid is a protocol that includes four asanas. These include Ustrasana, Marjariasana, Singhgarjanasana, Suptavarjasna (or Matasayaasana), and Sarvangasana and one pranayama, Ujayi Pranayama.

What is the Yoga techniques for thyroid Protocol?

Dr Subodh said, “This yoga protocol has shown positive results in patients with thyroid levels below the threshold.” He added that patients are asked to start yoga exercises along with their prescribed medications. “In many cases, patients are also able to regulate the thyroid levels with the decreased dosage of their medicines over time,” he added.

While these yoga techniques for thyroid have long-term effects, it is strongly recommended to continue yogic exercises even after the initial results, he said. That is because the effects start diluting after an individual stops regular practice.

Further, Dr Subodh said, “Yoga is very effective but is very sensitive too. So, people should practise yoga in the presence and guidance of a good yoga expert to avoid reverse side effects.” Moreover, he also noted that yoga is the only discipline that fulfils all the six dimensions of well-being. It is known to prevent diseases and promotes mental and social well-being as well.”

About the researchers

Dr Subodh and Dr Mala Tripathi have completed their master’s in Yogic Science and holistic health from Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar and PhD from Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakot University, Satna. They have worked in Morarji Desai National Institution of Yoga, New Delhi for eight and six years respectively and joined Shoolini University as Assistant Professors in the School of Yoga and Naturopathy in May 2018.

VAISHNAVI SOOD and RONIKA ANGELINA

We are also the sum of stories we have grown on and stories we have lived,” said the well-known storyteller Nikhil Taneja while interacting with students at Shoolini University. Nikhil is a writer, producer, entrepreneur and a teacher, who likes to refer to himself as a storyteller.

He has a wide experience of working in the media field and has worked with Hindustan Times, MTV, Yash Raj Films and has now started his own organisation, ‘Yuvaa’. Yuvaa is a story telling platform that aims to listen to and share stories of the Indian Youth and make people feel less alone.

“Yes, everyone’s story matters. Everyone has something or the other thing to narrate. Before we live our stories, we post them. We are always in a rush to be somewhere. Let’s not be harsh on ourselves. Let’s be patient”, he said.

Hailing from Baharain, Nikhil initially joined an engineering course on his parent’s insistence but soon realised that engineering was not something that he wanted to do. He jokingly remarked, “A successful engineer has to do two things i.e. – to leave engineering and to find a partner and I did both so then I started writing as it gave me true happiness.”

He said that stories empower people while identities and labels given to individuals without a choice by the society constrains and divide people. He shared many anecdotes from his own life including stories behind his various professional choices as well as their destination wedding stories and the usual fights between the in laws. He recalled that his perspective changed completely after his mother explained why a son’s marriage is so important for his mother as it is the last time a mother gets to take decisions for her son.

He said, “One-Late-Night-Conversation makes the shift from good friends to best friends as stories that we share in those moments leads to empathy and brings people closer. This empathy and all these stories make us human.”

Nikhil also shared many inspiring stories that he has come across from his classrooms and how these stories would suddenly change the perspectives of classmates for each other helping them to raise above their initial and superficial judgements. He said that every story is important and encouraged the Shoolinians to respect and to take time to listen to each other.

In the end, he invited students to share their stories in which a few students came up and shared their stories of choosing different career paths, adjusting to the university life in a new state to their concerns for their friends from their native states.

The Yuvaa team goes around nationwide to hear each youngsters’ story. The team has been to Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh, Shimla, North East, Indore, also Port Blair. It has covered over 30 cities and about 100 colleges to encourage all the youngsters, who have their own story, inspiring story, to tell.

NAINA SINGH

A recent survey by Nielson revealed that Indian women are the most stressed out in the world – 87 percent of our women feel stressed out most of the time! This statistic itself caused me to stress out. Even in the workaholic America, only 53 per cent of women feel stressed.

What are we doing to our women? I may be biased, but Indian women are the most beautiful in the world. As mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues, wives and girlfriends, we love them. Can you imagine life without these ladies? It would be a universe full of messy, aggressive and egomaniacal males running the world, trying to outdo each other for no particular reason. There would be body odour, socks on the floor and nothing in the fridge to eat. The entertainment industry would die. Who wants to watch movies without actresses?

Children would be neglected and turn into drug addicts and psychopaths by the age of ten. Soon, all male world leaders would lose their tempers at the slightest provocation and bomb the guts out of each other’s countries. In short, without women and their sanity, the world would perish.

Yet, look at how we Indians, a land of spiritual people treat them. At an extreme, we abort girls before they are born, neglect their upbringing, torture them, rape them and honour kill them. Of course, these criminal acts are performed by a tiny minority. However, a majority of us are involved in lesser crimes. We judge our women, expect too much out of them, don’t give them space, and suffocate their individuality. Imagine, if you did this to men, wouldn’t they get stressed out?

At a broader level, this isn’t just about our women. We Indians have a habit of exploiting anyone without power. As a flip side, we are suckers for anyone with power. We look up to the corrupt politicians, keep voting them back and feel they are entitled to loot us silly, just because they are in power.

In fact, we love power so much that when the power comes to a woman, we automatically begin to regard her well, too. Goddesses, female politicians, senior mothers in a household with a firm grip on family power – they all get our respect. Anyone else doesn’t.

Women have to become more ambitious, dream bigger and have a fire in their bellies. Perhaps because of the way the Indian society is structured, our women are not encouraged to be as ambitious as men. However, for their own sake and the nation’s sake, all Indian youth must have ambitions and aspirations to do well and reach their maximum potential in life.

Many Indian women have done much better than men. Women can be truly capable and talented as men are and sometimes, even more so. And yet, when a woman sacrifices her dreams and career for a man, it is expected of her. It is time that all this changes. Indian men need to keep their dominating, inflated male egos aside and assist them in their dreams. After all, a woman’s life is not all about making hot chapattis and spending her entire life in the kitchen.

In some ways, women endure disguised slavery. In the civilized, developed world, where women have choices, they do not choose to live like this. We need to be more comfortable with the idea of an Indian woman expressing herself. We think we care for them, but we suffocate them in the name of security, safety, morality, tradition, or culture.

Ask some questions. Where have we gone wrong in our traditions and what do we need to change? We need to unshackle our women. As a woman, it is very important to feel empowered. She needs to be capable, independent and career oriented. Being successful and strong is what will make Indian men respect women more. Help them play their part. Don’t just tolerate, but accept and celebrate our successful women. They take our homes ahead and our countries forward. Every girl deserves a journey of self-discovery. Let’s present a better India for our little girls.