AHMEDABAD UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, Associate Dean, Arts: Darshini Mahadevia Interview

With a doctoral degree in Urban and Regional Development, Darshini Mahadevia is presently serving as Associate Dean, Arts, at Ahmedabad University, School of Arts and Sciences. She is a well-known scholar whose research focuses on equity concerns within urban policies relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation, and human and general development. Currently, she is looking at urban data systems, their mapping, and whether urban development dynamics are sustainable and equitable. Also, she has held the Dean as well as Centre Director’s position in other Universities and has been a Visiting Fellow at several international universities. 

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“Flexible and responsible decision making”

I believe in being a hands-on leader, i.e. work with the team of colleagues particularly when charting out new decisions and taking steps forward. One major aspect of leadership is to be a team player, that is, be part of the teaching and research activities at the institute. As a research leader be with the team in carrying out research tasks and to develop a course structure with appropriate advancements, wherever needed. Also, another aspect of leadership is to start with a preposition of trust and faith among the team members.

What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your university?

“Student-focused learning curriculum and enhanced teaching pedagogy”

In practice, our university has a student oriented atmosphere where each individual student charts his/her study plan under our choice-based system. Each student gets to decide a major, which has some mandatory courses, and a the basket of optional courses to choose from. Besides, the students also have an opportunity to take a minor from among the numerous minors on offer, providing students flexibility and diversity. The other aspect of student-centricity is making each individual a part of the Circle of Care, which is focused on creating peer-ship as well as being the first point of contact in difficult times. Moreover, we have interdisciplinary learning through Foundation studios where the students are exposed to four major themes: democracy and justice, environment and climate change, water and neighborhood. We have created a category of courses called ‘ENABLE’, which are designed as learning through doing and are often emphasizing on learning problem solving techniques. 

Check Ahmedabad University, School of Arts and Sciences Courses & Fees

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

“Exposure to industrial environments through different means”

In the professional courses offered at our University, the links with the industry are through inviting practitioners to give classroom lectures, through using cases from the industry for latest practices and keeping course outlines flexible. The ENABLE courses are often problem solving courses based on real situations in the industrial world. Through our advanced course structure, students are exposed to experiential learning as well as to communication innovatively. We also offer our students to work with faculty in their projects, research or applied, during breaks and also offer students internships at the University itself. 

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

“Best education quality and overall development”

I am responsible for ensuring the quality of learning for students. The students need all clarifications related to the course program and administration in times of difficulties. Also, to focus on their holistic development, I make sure to deliver the educational programs in a more efficient manner. Thus, ensuring students to be put on a lifelong learning path with skills and knowledge required in the future. I am also responsible to make certain development of course outlines and finalization to aid students with the best learning experience here. 

How is your university more welcoming to different economic backgrounds?

“Mentorship and financial aids for equal opportunities”

The institute values diversity and ensures that in the admission process. The university makes special efforts to reach out to the students from weaker socio-economic backgrounds, through organizing visits and counseling sessions. We also aid scholarships, financial assistance and endowments to meritorious and poor students designing better and equal opportunities for them. 

Click Ahmedabad University, School of Arts and Sciences Placement

What do you think should be the university’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“A well-known academic institution and expert faculty recruitment”

We are looking forward to faculty members who would gain recognition in their own area of work and provide the best to our students. To attract the best students and faculty members from India and abroad, we would also like to be multicultural. We aspire to set up an advanced educational hub for students globally through well-defined administrative guidelines and facilities.