Shoolini Univ hosts QS IGauge Conference
2 min read
Solan, July 19
Education rating agency QS IGAUGE, in first-of-its-kind initiative organised a Himalayan edition conference on Redefining Institutional Strategy for Excellence (RISE), jointly hosted by Shoolini University, Solan and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) Dehradun.
The conference focused on the Himalayas as a destination for global learning and research. These points were deliberated by several luminaries of the education world. The panelists of the session titled ‘The Himalayas as the next Global destination for Research and Learning’ deliberated that how Himalayas has been the great center of research and learning and India always has a secure and profound relation with Himalayas and also most of the religions are also co related with Himalayan mountains. They also discussed how Himalayas always have a peaceful environment for learning and studies.
Focussing on what defines the quality of an institution was debate on ‘Global Rankings_ Research Vs Learning and Teaching’. Speakers for the motion Dr. Sunil Rai and Prof. B R Mehta emphasised the importance of research. He emphasized that research enhances curiosity, which is uniquely attributed to humans, and it leads to scientific and cultural development. Research also increases application for the betterment of society and humanity.
Countering the comments the speakers against the motion Ms. Sharmila Katre and Mr. Rahul Gupta said Research may be a way of getting noticed as first amongst equals but is actually not preferred by learners/students. They mentioned that focus should be more on learning and understanding then on research.
With the pandemic keeping us on our toes for the last 15 months, there was an interesting and relevant discussion on whether the future of education is virtual or face-to-face.
Concluding the session was Pro Chancellor of Shoolini University Vishal Anand said that there are four pillars of building a great institution, an island of excellence, which will influence the Himalayan region overall. The first is good governance, the second is conservation of the environment, being carbon negative, or not carbon neutral, and the third is promotion of national happiness.
Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Atul Khosla stressed on the need for inspiring higher education in India and mentioned that both UPES and Shoolini University have similar demo graphics and topography, and the coming together of these two, has the making of ensuring Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh become a world class education hub.
Earlier, Dr Sunil Rai, Vice-Chancellor, UPES, acknowledged Shoolini University for its support, for coming up together to create the platform, which showcases India as the next destination. He pointed out that both UPES and Shoolini University are both located in the Himalayas, nestled with peace and tranquillity, good health and brotherhood, heavily inspired by the Vedas and the Upanishads.
Dr Rai said Universities like these, foster the atmosphere of learning and wisdom, and the research done with the herbs in these biodiverse regions have huge implications for the benefit of all mankind.
