We are Receptive to Innovation, Technology, Science, and Entrepreneurship, says Senior Faculty of Chanakya University

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Venkatagiri Jayarama Reddy Byra Reddy, Senior Faculty of Chanakya University says each student at Chanakya University is encouraged to do unique field placements so that the practice component of social work education is embedded in her/his learning.

Dr V.J. Byra Reddy holds a PhD in Business Administration from Mangalore University and a post-graduate in Economics from Bangalore University. His areas of teaching include managerial economics, advanced microeconomics, international business, research methods, and public policy. Dr Reddy possesses 28 years of total work experience.

Q1. What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

At Chanakya University, experiential learning methodology is used extensively to teach social work. This coupled with an appropriate mix of project-based learning and field placements ensure that students learn practice-based social work. Considering that the liberal education model is in practice at the University, students are encouraged to choose courses from other disciplines as well so that they have a multi-disciplinary view of social work.

Q2. How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

Each student at Chanakya University is encouraged to do unique field placements so that the practice component of social work education is embedded in her/his learning. Further, to enhance employability skills in students they are encouraged to build team-working and networking skills through team assignments and group presentations. Additional emphasis is placed on grooming students through enhancing their written and oral communication skills.

Q3. What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your Program?

Students who are curious and concerned about social anomalies and thus are passionately moved to do something in this regard make the best fit. However, students who want to understand global challenges to find a solution to them as well as those who are interested in the societal side of work and work culture are also encouraged to apply to this program.

Q5. How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

We at Chanakya have board of studies meetings every year to take stock of the curriculum’s relevance to industry needs. Wherever the curriculum is found short of industry needs, we make appropriate amends. In addition to this we have industry representatives on the board of studies who review the curriculum along with renowned academicians. Further, we take independent feedback from industry on our students who take up internships there; so that we understand specific areas where our students lack industry demands. Accordingly, we make changes in the curricular process to keep students relevant to industry.

Q6. Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

Yes, Chanakya University is very receptive to innovation, technology, science, and entrepreneurship. Any innovative pedagogy and or assessment or any other educational innovation that gets evolved; is tried here and if any of these in any way enhance the learner’s experience, we adopt them. This is true with technology as well; be it technological platforms in terms of ERPs or AI based innovative learning platforms - we evaluate and use them to optimize resources and enhance learner’s experience. We not only encourage for profit entrepreneurship but also equally encourage social entrepreneurship. Today, the country needs social entrepreneurs as change agents to foster development with the human face. Couple of examples of adopting these could be:

1. Chanakya University is an exemplar of National Education policy [NEP] – NEP today, makes way for enormous innovation in the way higher education is transacted in our country. In line with NEP, we have designed an innovative curriculum where students are not just made industry ready but are made ready for living a meaningful life along with an insight to choose a rewarding career.
2. We have established a student cooperative at the University, to cater to the daily needs of students living on campus as well as day scholars. This is a completely student managed activity. Students who manage and run these cooperatives in the process also understand the nitty-gritty of running a business for profits while at the same time make goods available for themselves at a reduced price.