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Controversy on Padmavat turned out to be baseless when the movie was finally released in India. All the fears expressed and allegations levelled by the Karni Sena proved erroneous. It reacted violently even before knowing anything about the movie and demanded a ban on it.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the famous Indian film director is well-known for his movies based on Indian history and mythology. He had made it clear that the film was based on a story written nearly two centuries after the reign of Allaudin Khilji.

The Karni Sena alleged that Bhansali’s film shows Rani Padmini in bad light. It also objected to the ghoomar song picturized in the film saying that “history was witness that none of the Rajput Maharanis has ever danced in front of anyone and the movie-makers cannot play with the history.”

A section of women of Rajasthan were upset with this film too because this film was made on a queen who was epitome of sacrifice. They added, “Rather than highlighting Padmini’s sacrifice, the film maker has sought to highlight the romantic angel in the movie” which is not true. They have claimed all these objections for the movie before they had even seen it. The real reason behind this protest by the Karni Sena against this movie originated from something else.

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, the head of Karni Sena Lokendar Singh Kalvi said: “Responding to a question asked to actor Ranveer Singh whether he was playing the role of villain in the movie, the actor responded that he could go two notches beyond playing the role of villain if he is given two intimate scenes with the lead female character in the film.” Someone sent that clipping to Karni Sena in Rajasthan.

Leaders of Karni sena tried to contact the movie director and Ranveer Singh for the justification of that clip, but when there was no response they attacked them on the airport. But this protest took an ugly turn when Deepika Padukone, who plays Padmavati, was threatened with physical harm and a crew member was actually assaulted.

Karni Sena even tried to stop the shooting of the movie, burnt movie sets and threatened the actors but somehow under tight security they all were able to complete the movie. They presumed things and evidently overreacted to mere presumptions. Their acute mindset led to the destruction and unnecessary tension.

Nowhere in the movie, Rajputs were shown weaker. In fact they were shown as courageous and strong, prepared for any sacrifices to protect their honour and their culture. Nor did the film show any affair between Khilji and Padmavati, as was being presumed.

Padmavati is portrayed as a symbol of courage and bravery. Unfortunately the film remains banned even now in some of the states even after several cuts and editing. Yet wherever it has been released, it has proved a big success. That is not only in India but abroad as well. Organisations like the Karni Sena should not jump to conclusions and must take lessons from their experience this time.

Bhushan Kumar, a BBA Final Year student, has emerged as the Library student of the month of February. He spent the maximum time among all students in the University’s Yogananda library and Knowledge Centre (YKC) during the month.

Bhushan Kumar hails from Bihar and has completed his +2 in science stream from DC College, Hajpur Dighi in Vaishali. He says he joined Shoolini University because of the environment and because the teachers are very supportive. He loves the beautiful campus, the greenery all around and the scenic beauty.

His pastimes include reading general books. He is currently preparing for the UPSC examination for entry to Civil Services. On being asked about his experiences in YKC, he said the library provides him with new books and a peaceful place option when it comes to studying. His favourite writer is Sandeep Maheshwari, a well-known poet and writer.

VAISHNAVI SOOD

Students should be ready for jobs that don’t even exist yet. Leadership is a critical and a non-negotiable skill in the 21st century. Leadership is the ability to inspire and the students should read about different leaders and their unique leadership styles. Students should also read about the various unconventional leadership styles too.

Students must keep an eye on all the trends in the fields of Technology, automation and augmented intelligence. The need of the hour is continuous learning through informal ways of learning, networking and mentoring to survive and succeed in respective careers.

Prof. Dipra Jha, Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA, who has a long experience of working in the Hotel Management industry in different parts of the world made these remarks while delivering a Guru Talk in Shoolini University on the subject of future proofing a career.

 He also expressed his delight to see the photographs of Steve Jobs in the campus. He described Jobs as a horrible boss but an exceptional transformative leader having a cult following. Next, he talked about the concepts of emotional intelligence and Neuro-Marketing and the need to connect to people emotionally. Towards the end, he discussed various technological advances that have happened recently, which were just an imagination a few years back.

He joked that very soon our co-workers might be Sophias, referring to the possibilities of humans being replaced by the robots. Sophia is a social humanoid robot, who became the first robot to receive citizenship of any country as she became a Saudi Arabian citizen. Talking about the future and where the world is heading, he said, “It’s scary but so be it. I shall embrace the change I cannot control rather than being scared of it.”

Prof Sunil Puri, Registrar of Shoolini University, completed his PhD almost 40 years ago and has remained associated with teaching at various Agricultural universities before joining Shoolini in 2007. In an interview with KHYAATI SHARMA, he talks about the priorities and plans for the University. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

How many courses are run by the University? Which are the most popular courses?

Presently, we have 74 courses running in six faculties. One of the most popular courses is Pharmacy in an undergraduate programme. We have a far lesser number of seats than the number of applicants for this course.

The other popular programmes are the Basic Sciences courses and Biotechnology courses in the postgraduate programmes where students seek admission as our research facilities are really good.

In management courses, MBA is most sought after. Although, the seats are fewer but we are planning to increase the MBA seats from 180 to 240 from this year. Every year, management tries to look after each and every aspect of the courses so as to deliver the best to the students.

What new courses are planned for 2018?

There are many courses which are planned this year. MSc Yoga is one of them. We are going to start some courses on the integrated programs in Engineering so that students who opt for this course can save at least one year. One of the prestigious programmes of Shoolini is the “Elite Programme” wherein only students are admitted who have more than 85 per cent of marks and the department provides fellowships to such students.

Then, in Biotechnology, we have the Summit Research Programme, where we have only 10 seats and the number of applicants is more than 100. Other new courses which we are planning to start include PhD program in Civil Engineering. Nanotechnology and Genomics which are some of the latest fields are about to be taken over by the university.

How can students approach you with their problems?

There are two ways. The first option is through the internet. There is an email i.e. care@shooliniuniversity.com where students can simply drop a mail. Those mails are checked daily. Even if the students don’t want to send mail, the other way is that he/she can write an anonymous letter also. They can also approach verbally and discuss the issue. Any student who approaches us regarding the complaints and suggestions, we take it very seriously and action is taken very instantly.

Does the university have an anti-harassment cell too?

Yes, we have various committees. We have a sexual harassment committee and grievance committee too. When the matter is very serious and it comes to our notice, the grievance cell takes it over. We always try to resolve the problem of the students within the university premises. We have been successful and fortunately, our students have been very nice and cooperative. In my experience, I never heard any case of such a serious matter that cannot be resolved on our own basis.

What are Shoolini’s plans for the newly introduced courses?

The recruitment process of faculty has already started. We have advertised for many of the posts and to give a glimpse of that, we have received more than 1000 applicants from all across the country that is willing to join us for the new courses as well as the existing courses.

In addition to this, we are also focusing on the infrastructure. For example from the next academic session, we are starting up with BSc (Hons) Agriculture. We have already established farms and the inauguration was done on February 18. One of the farms is about 100 metres away from the university and the other is 2 kilometres away from the campus.

What are the various scholarship schemes which are offered by the university?

We have various types of scholarships. Broadly, there are two types of scholarships. One is awarded by the university and the other is awarded by the government to the students. Our policy is that the students should be made aware of those scholarships, particularly during orientation programmes.

Within the university, we have many scholarships. First is the sibling scholarship i.e. any brother-sister or two sisters or two brothers joining the university. Next, we have scholarships for the single girl child. We also provide BPL scholarships which is a great success along with SC/ST scholarships.

Besides, Inspire scholarships are also there. Those students who qualify for DST programmes get scholarships. We have a separate wing in the office that looks after the scholarship programmes of the university only. There are other scholarships also which we call “earn while you learn”.

Do you keep a record of the alumni?

Yes, we have a proper alumni record. Any student who is passing out has to fill up a form providing their contact details. Every year, there is an alumni association meeting in the university. To the best of my knowledge, more than 3000 students are there on the alumni list maintained by the university.

How do you ensure the confidentiality and accuracy of the students’ records?

Well, my colleagues do a very good job. They know that records are very confidential and we don’t pass them on. On the other hand, we are transparent on aspects that are important for the students.

How is working with Shoolini different from other educational institutions?

When we established this university, we decided to run a system part of agriculture and traditional universities. Credit and the choice-based system were adopted by Shoolini in the year 2009 when none of the traditional universities had this system. Even the UGC came up with the choice based credit system in the year 2015. Shoolini’s system is the best, be it in education or research or any academic area.

Any experience of your lifetime which transformed you?

Joining Shoolini University definitely transformed my vision. Initially, when I was working with the government universities, my outlook towards the private education system was very narrow. But when I became a part of the private university education system, my vision also broadened.

SHAINA CHAUHAN

Shoolini University, in cooperation with partner organisations in various countries, has been organising joint programmes to promote international scientific collaboration. So far 50 students have been a part of this foreign exchange programme. This year the university is expecting 5 foreign exchange students and sending out 11 students to Korea, Taiwan and UK.

Shoolini University has established ties and friendly relations across various other countries including Korea, United States, Afghanistan etc. The students and faculty both have the opportunities to join the same.

The Office of International Affairs handles the cooperative activities between Shoolini University and foreign universities and institutes, including creating partnerships, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, and organising joint research collaboration.

Shoolini University helps its students to get higher study opportunities in foreign universities. Shoolini representatives also regularly travel abroad for more international collaboration and to review its existing collaboration with partners abroad.

This year Shoolini has three students from Afghanistan namely Ahmed Walled, Paryana Tahiri, Raisa Saboori for MTech CSE and two students from China. Two students from Shoolini University, Tanya and Pragati are going to the University of Arkansas, USA. Three students, Deepika, Deeksha and Shaina are visiting Gachon University, South Korea.

Two students, Jashjeet Singh Dhupia and Akhil Sharma are going to Inha University. Two students, Abhinav and Ikshiva Rojhe are going to Sichuan University. Two students, Hardika Sharma and Chaitanya Modgill are going to Taiwan.

VAISHNAVI SOOD

Moringa, popularly known as drumstick, which has been added as a flavour to sambar for years, may soon be introduced as a water purifier adding another important use to this miraculous plant. The discovery can prove to be a huge turning point in our fight against many water-borne diseases and meeting the requirement of potable water for people around the globe.

A doctorate student, Amanpreet Kaur Virk has been studying the water purifying properties of moringa seeds for around 2 years now. She proudly filed her first patent on ‘compact and portable herbal water purifier for drinking water’ in October last year describing the use of drumstick seed powder as a natural water purifier.

The idea evolved as an attempt to solve the problems of clean and safe drinking water and help curb many of the water-borne diseases. Amanpreet credited this idea to her guide, Prof Saurabh Kulshrestha who initially suggested the use of Moringa seeds as a water purifier as a topic for her research.

This patent is critical because of the increasing scarcity of freshwater with water pollution levels rising at alarming rates. Today, about one billion people lack safe drinking water and more than six million people (of which 2 million are children) die of diarrhoea every year. Waterborne diseases still kill on average 25,000 people in developing countries every day while millions suffer the debilitating effects of these diseases.

Virk said most of the currently available technologies are not affordable for many people living in the rural areas and the chemical substances used in the process have many adverse effects on the health too. She further added that around 75% of water gets wasted, (which cannot even be used for irrigational purposes) in the RO systems which have become quite popular in recent years.

The herb, Moringa oleifera is commonly referred to as drumstick and also referred to as a miracle tree. Every part of the plant has some medicinal properties as well as high nutritional value. Moreover, being an edible substance, it also has no adverse effects on the health of people unlike many other chemicals presently used in the process of water purification.

Sharing the progress, Amanpreet informed us that the patent is in its testing phase right now. Dip-bag containing extremely safe and edible M. oleifera seeds was used to purify portable drinking water. She said the dip-bag has been successful in the removal of many pathogenic bacteria within a short span of 10-15 minutes. She said just an amount of 50 mg is enough for cleaning 500 mL of water. The seed powder has proved to be bactericidal in nature meaning to permanently kill the harmful bacteria present in the water. She shares the dip bag has also proved to be efficient in the removal of heavy metal contamination and toxic dyes.

Talking about the plans for the commercialization of the idea, she says they have planned to create dip-bags just like tea bags for its wider use. But making people aware of this technology and convincing them about the same shall be the major challenge during the final phase of commercialisation, said the Shoolinian.

Amanpreet Kaur, who has been staying in Himachal Pradesh for the last five years, hails to the Ferozeshah village of the Ferozepur district of Punjab. She completed her schooling and graduated from Shahid Ganj Public School, Mudki and D.A.V. College, Amritsar respectively. She also topped her batch when she completed her MSc from Shoolini University.

Virk falls short of words while talking about her guide, Prof Saurabh Kulshrestha who was also her mentor for the project during her master’s degree. She also thanked Chandresh Kumari, a fellow PhD student who is also an Assistant Professor in the University for her contributions during the initial years of the research work.

She said that the entire faculty of Biotechnology is very sincere and always make all the possible efforts to provide students with the best of facilities and opportunities. She is appreciative of her experience at the Shoolini University with all the good and bad that came her way.

VAISHNAVI SOOD

Amit Sharma, the former Chief Operating Officer of a Philippine company, Copylandia Office Systems Corporation. He has led operations across the US, Australia and New Zealand for leading MNCs in the BPO world. He now works as an Independent Business Consultant and also teaches people the science of Mind Management. Here is an excerpt from his interview:

What is the most common question that you get as a Business Consultant?

“How do we change and make money?” that’s the first question I get from established organisations and professionals I generally work with. That is basically the reason they hire me. But, as far as young people are concerned, their questions revolve around how can we succeed in a certain number of years? Or how can we grow in our careers and questions like that.

Since, today we are living in an age of such rapid changes, what are the qualities and skills that you think we as students need to possess to survive and succeed?

As students I think what we are lacking is curiosity and perseverance. That’s a pain I see even when I hire people at different positions. Today’s generation needs to understand that ‘Rome was not built in a day’. McKinsey published a report earlier that there is a huge need for talent and then we have a significant amount of unemployment in the country. I think it’s a very silly problem to have.

We have the people and we have the jobs, we just don’t have the people who fit the jobs. This can be solved if they have the curiosity to learn new things and then they have to have the perseverance to put in that effort, get those skills and imbibe and practice to succeed. You will have to come out with a reasonable journey and you would have to learn.

There is so much of competition and stress especially in the corporate world. So, during your years as COO, how did you cope with stress?

Stress is having a lot of work to do in less time and when you are having less energy. First, be passionate about your work. If you love what you do, you won’t feel physically drained. Secondly, it is the mental drain. If you meditate, it increases your energy and capacity. You have the same day but you have more energy and you are more focused and that certainly helps.

You like meditation and teach people Science of Mind Management. ‘From Business to Mind Management’, how did that happen?

I have worked in industries where stress levels are very high. We have very high deadlines, tight schedules and crazy goals. I have worked in the BPO world and also in the retail industry. In both industries, stress was simply a part of the job. I had worked in diverse geographies, I could not sleep enough and I did not know how to manage that. It started off as how to make my energy levels right and then it was the team because we were losing people due to the same problem.

Secondly, I wanted to understand the science behind meditation and chemistry behind the brain. The more I read, the more I practised. As I saw the changes happening inside me, I thought of teaching it to others as well. I began with my colleagues within the organisation and then my clients and others. Everyone was just happy to have something else than alcohol to relieve stress. For me, it just became a nice cycle of learning and teaching.

What was your learning from your experience of working in different countries and diverse cultures?

I think human beings are same everywhere. We all have our own cultural biases, we all look at the world differently but the basic emotions are the same. The basic rule is “treat people the way you would like to be treated”. As an individual, my voice is loud and my body language is aggressive. ‘But even with that you can get away as long as you are showing respect and treating them the way you would like to be treated’ is what I learned.

What would be your message to the students?

 It is good to be ambitious. It is very good to be ambitious, there is no denying that. But ambition should be backed with the ability and the willingness to take the pain for it. It is like shopping in a store, if there is something nice you have to pay for it and that payment is going to be painful. In Life, it is hard work, reading, learning and practicing. That is your currency in the store called Life. It’s simple if you want something, work for it.

Lastly, any quick interview tip for all those who are graduating this semester?

Yes. It’s a quick tip but if you really want to crack it, you need to understand it well. We generally pick up the first job that comes our way but that’s not going to work in the long run. If you want to have a successful career, know yourself first and accordingly choose an industry you want to join and the company you want to get into. Getting through it would be the Interview.

Don’t try to sell yourself, understand the interviewer’s world. Every interviewer wants to know what you have done in the past, how you have done it and who you are. They would like to see your energy, your soft skills and know how you react and mange when things might go downhill. Have your REAP (Results Energy Attitude Processes) in line, communicate it well and your chances to get selected are already high.

All sports lovers particularly the cricket fans, are looking forward to India’s victory at the cricket World Cup next year. There is much discussion on strategies to be adopted and on the choice of captaincy. Avinash Kumar and Suresh talked to a cross section of students at Shoolini University to elicit their point of view:

Rishav Sharma (B.Tech Biotechnology) 4th year

Kohli has proved himself as a one of the best captains in recent times. I think he should lead the Indian side during the ICC World Cup which is to be held next year. Also, he’ll be exceptional under the mentorship of MS Dhoni.

Kanika Sharma (M.Sc Chemistry) 2nd Year

Kohli has been great as both, batsman and skipper for India, but has a long way to go in overseas matches. He underperforms under stressful situations, unlike MS Dhoni. He needs to gain a lot of experience to lead the Indian team in England next year, because he has never played as captain in an event as large as the WC.

Brajesh Srivastava- (B.Tech ECE 4th year)

With an excellent strike rate and fantastic leadership skills, Kohli is a great choice for captaincy in the World Cup. He has an excellent record in both ODIs and T20 matches. Also, he has MS Dhoni guiding him in building a strong team. The fact that he has leaded the Indian team at the U-19 World Cup to victory in 2003 justifies his position.

Apoorva Gurung- (B.Tech Biotech 4th year)

Personally, I think Virat depends too much on Dhoni’s guidance. No doubt, he plays well in all formats of the game but lacks the experience to lead a team as diverse as India. His aggression is sometimes a negative factor in the gentlemen’s game.

Saikat Ghosh (B.Tech ME 1st year)

Kohli has earned himself massive respect as captain and batsman. Dhoni’s guidance has been a contributing factor to his game play. He has become captain only after repeatedly proving himself. He’s one of the highest run scorers in recent times. He makes sure that the team chases unattainable targets.

Palesi Tyang- (B.Sc. Chemistry 2nd year)

India has earned a well-deserved 5-1 ODI victory in the recent South African tour of India under Kohli’s captaincy. He is experienced in all formats, including Test cricket. Also, he is the first Indian to score more than 500 runs within a single ODI series. Dhoni’s help is a boost for Kohli. I think upcoming talent in cricket must get chances to lead the Indian side to get exposure.

Sudarshan Sahu (B.Tech 4th year)

In every ODI Dhoni is the one making strategies and Kohli implements them in the field. Moreover Dhoni’s captaincy is distinctive to any other player as he can study the opponent’s game plan and his captaincy changes with the opponent’s mind. That is why I would vote for MS Dhoni to lead team India as a captain in the 2019 World Cup.

Sanjay Kumar (MBA 1st year)

I think Kohli should lead the team because he is young and aggressive in the field. Even though Dhoni is much better as a leader and in the field he shows greater team spirit than Kohli. However, Kohli has been handling the team well so far. I pick Kohli because if we see the past and the present matches so far he is getting better and better every day. Rest assured, Dhoni will definitely help him in the field.

ROSEMARY T

“The moment I stepped in this university I knew that I was meant to be here and with no regrets I can say that I am a proud Shoolinian” says Abinash Choudhry from Nepal who is a student in Shoolini University. He is currently pursuing B.Tech BioTech from the University.

Abinash says that his first impression in India is positive. He finds the people in India, especially the people from Himachal Pradesh very kind and friendly. He said that he hasn’t visited many of the places in Himachal or India other than Kasauli and he would love to explore more.

About his experience in Shoolini University, he adds – “The environment out here is so cool. The classrooms are so nice and clean and the teachers are very cooperative and friendly. Not just the teachers but the students are also very helpful. I have made lots of friends and some of them are really funny. They keep the class entertained, make us laugh and I love them so much.

When it comes to studies, currently I don’t have a favourite subject but I have chosen ‘Sex Education’ as my open elective subject and I kind of find this subject interesting. Many people take the word ‘sex education’ in a wrong way. In the class we are taught to give equal rights to the women and give them respect. We are born in a generation where the word ‘sex’ is treated as inferior and this subject teaches us to treat women equally. Therefore we are taught not to be ashamed to be born in this era.

I am interested in singing, dancing, writing Nepali poems and playing karate. My ambition is to become a great model and actor of Nepal or be it India. I am not too keen in studying B.Tech. Biotech but it is because of my parents that I am here today to fulfil their dreams and in a hope to live my own dreams too. For modelling I was inspired by a top famous Nepali model and actor Paul Sah.

In the university my daily schedule is quite tight and busy. After taking my classes I usually practise dance and also practise karate. I am looking forward to do well and come out as a bright student and make my teachers and parents proud of me.

I am so glad to be a part of Shoolini University. The campus is so beautiful and everything is so green. The university is very clean and it feels lively. My future plan is to work for some big industry. Apart from working I also want to give a try in modelling. I would love to visit here even after my graduation. And I am definitely going to suggest my friends and relatives to visit India and especially Himachal Pradesh at least once in a lifetime.”

“We are science students and had no idea about Business. BEST taught us how we can transform a scientific idea into an impressive Business proposal. There were a lot of things that we learnt and those sleepless nights were definitely worth it. ”, said a team member who attended the innovative science programme at Bengaluru earlier this month. They were among the top 20 applicants and participated in the 9th edition of the BEST ABLE competition from 12th to 16th February.

Biotechnology Entrepreneurial Student Teams (BEST) programme is an innovative talent search programme that aims to encourage entrepreneurship in the field of life sciences by identifying student teams and encouraging them to come up with scientific ideas that have commercialization potential.

A team of five students consisting of Uma Shankar Upadhya, Pratibha Thakur, Prakrati Garg, Aaliya Ali and Kepika Thapa submitted their project on the topic, ‘Removal of toxic dyes and heavy metals using Moringa Oleifera’. The team credited this opportunity to their guide, Prof. Saurabh Kulshrestha for motivating them.