We are transparent in terms of the processes and we believe in value education. That’s a differentiator!, says Dr Joshi

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Mrunal Joshi Faculty of Business Analytics at IES's Management College and Research Centre, Mumbai shares her views in detail about the New Education Policy. She also elaborates on the challenges faced by the institute during the Covid pandemic and all the initiatives taken to overcome those challenges.

Dr Joshi has over 17 years of rich academic experience.

Read the complete interview below.

Q: What are your views about the education sector and the new education policy?

A: Education gives us knowledge and knowledge is power. It gives us a viewpoint to look at the world. It’s the profession that has the power to touch and transform one’s life. Observation, thirst for learning, adapting the new things, accepting challenges, empathy and integrity – I feel these things are important to succeed in every profession including education.

We have a legacy of Gurukul, we had world-renowned universities like Nalanda and Taxila, Our IITans and IIM graduates are admired across the world. At the same time, I feel a big chunk of students is still not a part of this system. We had restricted ourselves within certain boundaries. With the new education policy, we will observe many positives, flexibilities. Although implementation is going to be a big challenge; but yes, more to come. Let’s see how we deal with it.

Q: What are your thoughts about the youth of this country?

A: Well, Going by the Census 2011 the youth share was around 20 per cent and predictions thereafter say India’s population has almost 1/3^rd of youth. India is in the 37-year period of demographic dividend. This is the real power. We have such a population structure where we have more working-age people than that of a dependent population. Here at the MBA level, we deal with the youngsters, they are enthusiastic, vibrant, very innovative and dynamic in nature. They are high on energy, you need to facilitate their energy. They are the future, the country’s ability and potential for growth is determined by them, so we need to invest our time in them.

Q: What is the best part of your institute which is different from others?

A: The best part of IES’s Management College and Research Centre is that we are run by educationists. We are very transparent in terms of the processes and we believe in value education. That’s a differentiator!!

Q: What are the main challenges do you think for your institute?

A: Creating a brand and continuing value education in the fast-moving world is important for us. NEP has given flexibility and freedom to institutes in terms of programme offerings and deliveries.  Expanding, Diversifying and Moving with a pace that the NEP offers is a challenge for every standalone institute. And I feel we are gearing up for that!

Q: Which thing do you do to make healthy relationships with your students and teammates?

A: IES MCRC is an institution of values. When it comes to processes we can say that we follow a very structured approach. We have been an ISO-certified institute so we have well-structured processes.  The various teams and committees allow faculty colleagues from different streams to brainstorm to make the processes and their execution better.

The students are the backbone of any institute. IES MCRC always had student-friendly policies. Students, their progress, their achievements are very important for us. Each one of us is very much connected with students and concerned about student welfare. The various student club activities, festivals, conferences make students responsible as well provide them opportunities to work with faculty members closely. So I would say, 3Cs – Coordination, Communication and Collaborations make relationships healthy.  So, stay Connected!!

Q: Which are the extra curriculum activities done in your institute?

A: We try adding value by providing a very conducive environment to our students. 

Various events under the functional clubs, conferences, Annual fest-Pratyush, outbound training etc. make the journey engaging. We have a plethora of activities that in turn help in the holistic development of students. We also encourage them to participate in various festivals and activities outside the college. Beyond the extra-curricular activities, our students also have enough number of opportunities for co-curricular and social accomplishments. We believe that MBA is not a degree on paper, but it’s an experience. We try adding value to their journey by every possible means.

Q: Tell us something about activities (educational/non Educational) done by your staff/student during Covid-19 pandemic.

A: Everyone is learning new things. Covid-19 pushed the education sector to a new high. The momentum with which things moved was brilliant. It would have certainly taken a few years to come to this new normal, but pandemic pushed us and with all strength, we tried our best!! During the pandemic, as an institution, we tried putting a great show for the students to make them comfortable, to reach up to them with technology. We conducted webinars and WhatsApp sessions for solving their queries, helping them in the process of learning, sensitizing them about utilizing their time.

For students, the main focus is on up-skilling for a better tomorrow. Besides, they participate and are working with various companies and completed some of interesting projects. Some of them were also connected with NGOs and social groups and also worked for societal benefits.      

Q: What is your source of motivation? Please say something about it.

A: Family is the backbone of an individual. Family members provide you the strength. Besides that, one should be self-motivated. Rather than a destination, the process is said to be more important. The moment you start enjoying the process you are the happiest person and no one can beat you.  I feel, pushing oneself is important, no one is going to do it for you…the fire within keeps you going.

Q: What's your favourite activity/activities you do in your free time?

A: Well, according to me, I am still learning. In today’s world, one has to learn, unlearn, and relearn… learning new things I enjoy the most. Painting, singing, cooking, reading books, literature, expressing myself through poems and travelling to new places…I enjoy everything that I do.

Q: Any book/novels suggestions for young students? If yes, explain what the best part of it is.

A: Yeah… there are many… For beginners, Who moved my cheese, Iceberg is Melting, Fish, One minute manager – these books are under the “Must Read” category….Every young manager should read these books. They are tiny in size, but mighty when it comes to learnings. They provide food for thoughts. They inspire and guide you. Every time when you read you comprehend something new. Right from individual adaptability to change management, carving a future for oneself to leading the organization, breaking the monotony of life to making a meaningful life, you learn through books!! They are best friends!! So, students, Keep yourself updated with time!! Best Wishes!!