Prof. Atul Kumar Joshi is presently working as Dean and HoD at Kumaun University, Nainital. With several years of work experience in the education field, he has been a profound member of various professional associations like ICA, HERDS, etc. and has organized many training programs, National seminars & workshops. Besides, he possesses a number of awards and recognitions to his credit like Indira Gandhi National Award, 2013, Excellence Service Award, Rahul Sankrityayan Antarrashtriya Samman 2019, to name a few. Also, he has published a number of books, research articles and papers.

Kumaun University

What are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

“Appropriate guidance and growth enhancement”

I take my responsibility in properly organizing and monitoring the faculty of the department so that a proper flow of knowledge transfer can be maintained. Organizing and conducting extra-curricular activities on a regular basis to improve the skill set of the students, and connecting the department with State and National Mainstream are my roles to enhance student growth. 

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

“Teaching and interactions on a regular basis”

We believe that we can teach only if students will be comfortable with us. Hence, we connect ourselves on a personal level where we know and communicate with each student. We conduct meetings every month among the faculty to understand the dynamics and challenges of the department wherein we discuss the challenges in conducting classes, relationship building, teaching and try to find a solution for it. We also discuss personal issues of the faculty and try to find solutions to them.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects?

“Effective industrial practices and visits”

Commerce subject itself is totally industry oriented wherein we deal with the business industry, hence our prime intention is to develop skills in students which makes them ready for industry. We always try to prepare our students for being a job keeper instead of the job seekers for which we include market surveys, industry visits and case studies in our curriculum. To instill a practical approach to courses and make them more industry-relevant, we begin by encouraging students to engage in co-curricular activities and competitions that will expand their practical expertise.

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How do you enhance the skills and expose students to real-world challenges?

“Different academic and other activities to ensure wider learning”

I constantly encourage students to keep up to date and review what they have already learned. Reading journals, searching the internet for information, and keeping up with the news on a regular basis are all excellent sources of information and knowledge. Students should be aware of what the industry requires in addition to the curriculum, and they should study it. Also, I believe that extra-curricular is the most crucial aspect of learning as it provides an atmosphere for proper learning and skill-building. It helps us to connect with them and understand them. Hence, we conduct various social activities like Plantation, Blood donation, etc. to connect with our students in a better way.

How does the curriculum of your department ensure the best practice of the industry?

“Involvement of students in industrial activities”

Providing students with necessary industrial training so they can gain some experience is essential. Our goal is to teach students about how the industry organizes and manages its documentation. Our department regularly organizes one/two-day industrial tours in nearby industries for e.g. Himalaya drug laboratories, which gives students a chance to observe the industry from the inside. We conduct extra classes for the weak students, and counselling sessions and mentoring sessions for the students to prepare them for the interview and outside world. 

What challenges do you face to uplift the quality of education of your department?

“Establishing a trans-cultural and comfortable environment for all”

Students come to our campus from varying backgrounds whose financials, economical conditions are not similar. Setting up a proper platform for them so that they can learn and live with each other has been a challenge in the education industry. Here at Kumaun University, it has been our prime focus from the very beginning to develop an atmosphere where students do not feel inferior in any aspect and give their best.

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What valuable advice would you give to the students for a prosperous career?

“Broaden your mindset and skill set”

I would like to advise students to think globally because it is the need of time right now. Students reading in Nainital have to compete with the students of world universities. Hence, only if they will think globally and prepare accordingly will they be able to compete with the students and perform better. I also recommend that students should use aptitude testing, skill development programs, and other methods to improve their communication and expertise.