Becoming adaptable and prone to changes leads to major developments

Dr. Abha Pandey is the Principal at Govt. Mahakoshal Arts & Commerce College. She has a teaching experience of 40 years as Professor and Head, Department of English. She has also been actively engaged in research. Bringing her vast experience into picture, she emphasizes on acquiring pragmatic learning through various sources. Read here what she has to say in her interview.

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“To interact with the young minds keeps me connected with the education sector”

Youth, with their freshness, energy and enthusiasm keeps me motivated. It’s a satisfying experience to see them grow and develop their potential. In my opinion, the primary purpose of education is to empower them and enhance their employability in the present global competitive world. If you want one year of prosperity, then grow grain. If you wish ten years of prosperity, then grow trees. “If you want 100 years of prosperity, then you grow people”.

In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute/ university/ school? 

“We believe diversity brings more learning”

Sixty per cent of students studying in this institution are bright students of lower economic strata, backward classes, living in suburbs of the city, differently-abled students, and girls. They get all the government facilities and are benefitted by scholarships and free ships in this college. Moreover, this is reputation of the college fills them with pride of being a part of a 185 years old institution, the alma mater of renowned and illustrious alumni.

How the curriculum of Govt. Mahakoshal Arts Commerce Autonomous College Jabalpur is ensures the best practice of industry?

“Collaboration with various industries helps our students to understand industry”

Collaboration with various industries ensures students job placement training. It helps them understand the functioning and ideology of how industry works. Also, internships and projects provide them with exposure and real work experience during their degree course.

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What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institute and the students are?

“Maintaining healthy relations with a progressive mind-set is necessary”

Maintaining a healthy relationship between colleagues and students is essential. Also, providing them with a healthy work environment, setting small goals and accomplishing them is necessary in the long run. 

What was your vision for the university? Has it evolved over time, and how far have you come in implementing the vision?

“There is still a long way to go”

I joined as a Principal just eight months ago during the pandemic period. Though as UGC incharge, IQAC and NAAC coordinator, and this college, I continuously worked and contributed to making outcome-based education provisions. Also, taking feedback from students, establishing research centres, and language labs to develop students’ communication skills, motivated staff to organize symposiums, national seminars, and invited lectures. I ensured arrangements for water purifiers, water harvesting system, greenhouse, vermicomposting pit, solar power plant, and solar street panels. 

Though the shortcomings cannot be overlooked. There’s an urgent need to develop a research environment and generate funds by introducing short term courses, minor and major research projects, enhancing industry institution interface, student’s employability, developing infrastructure, smart classrooms, canteen, and hostels.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see that are required to be addressed?

“Providing an adequate facility for students is still a challenge that persists”

Enhancing the employability of students and developing morals in our students is a significant challenge. Working as a Lead College of Jabalpur district despite the shortage of regular teaching faculty members and office staff. Starting job oriented and skill development courses, mobilising funds and making its proper usage.

What are your learnings from the pandemic and how are you dealing with the situation?

“The show must go on”

Whatever the situation, one has to keep calm and work patiently for getting good results. During the pandemic, we conducted and participated in webinars, faculty development programs. Since August, we started with online admissions, conducted Open book exams in September and began online classes from October. 

Working initially 30% and later 50% attendance of employees until date, absence of people from the workplace due to fear of the disease, maintaining hygiene and covid free environment has been a real challenge. Working in full capacity with limited resources has been a challenging experience as never before.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Hard work, pursuance and perseverance carve the path to success”

Success is a journey, not a destination. Skills with knowledge are required for success in life. Remember if you struggle today, you will develop the strength you need for tomorrow.