Dr. Mithlesh Aggarwal is the Head of the Department of Arts at the KL Mehta Dayanand College for Women. She holds a M.A. degree in Sanskrit, an M.Phil., and a PhD as well. Dr. Aggarwal has over 26 years of experience working in academia, during which she has worked in various institutes in numerous roles.

KL Mehta Dayanand College For Women

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

The key factor that has contributed to connecting with the education sector is my passion for teaching. I enjoy contributing my knowledge and skills towards teaching the next generation of experts. I have a passion for serving the community, especially contributing to the betterment of the lives of female students. My efforts are in line with achieving the goal of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padao.’ Being able to help out society by having educated, knowledgeable and upstanding citizens is extremely motivating for me.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

I firmly adhere to a democratic leadership philosophy that places great importance on inclusivity and teamwork. In my view, leadership is not about wielding authority but rather about empowering and involving everyone within the institution. I strongly believe that every member of our community, be it faculty, staff, or students, has a valuable perspective and input to offer. My leadership style can be best described as collaborative and team-oriented. I encourage open communication and foster an environment where ideas and opinions are not only welcome but actively sought after. This approach has been instrumental in promoting a sense of shared ownership and accountability in our educational institution. It ensures that decisions are well-rounded, benefiting from the collective wisdom of our community. By embracing a group working pattern and functioning as a cohesive team, we have been able to achieve significant milestones and create an environment conducive to learning and growth. I am committed to continuing this approach as we collectively strive for excellence in education.

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

In our institute, we prioritise equipping our students with the knowledge and skills that meet the highest industry standards. We achieve this through a curriculum designed to stay current with industry trends, hands-on learning experiences in well-equipped labs and internships, and by inviting industry experts to share their insights. We also foster collaboration through projects with industry partners, and our mentorship programs provide students with valuable guidance from experienced professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures that our graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also capable of applying their knowledge effectively in real-world industry settings, making them assets to the workforce. Our commitment lies in striking a balance between theory and practise, facilitating industry exposure, and nurturing future professionals who are ready to excel. We firmly believe that by engaging students in these ways, we contribute to the best industry practises, empowering our graduates to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

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

Over the next ten years, the institution will follow and implement the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP, 2020). We will put in all efforts to meet the directions of M.D.U. Rohtak, as our college is affiliated with this university. We also want to achieve high placement records and improve our institute’s facilities and infrastructure.

Check KL Mehta Dayanand College For Women Placement

When you first came to your institute, what was your vision for the college? How it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

When I first joined the institute, I aimed to channelize the energy of students in constructive manner as to create balance between study hours and leisure hours. I also wished to work towards augmentation of modern infrastructure to fit our college environment and curriculum. We also aspire to organize numerous extracurricular activities to showcase the hidden talent of students.

What would you like people to know about your college they may not know?

Our college aims for the all round development of students, as we believe in making our students capable of leading a good quality of life. We are also working towards improving the interpersonal and soft skills of our students, as it is a determinant factor in securing proper jobs. We also infuse discipline to create value based studies that will serve our college’s image and create a generation of upstanding individuals.

What are some major changes that covid-19 has bought in education sector according to you?

The biggest change that Covid brought was the introduction of online teaching tools to impart education to students. Overnight, we had to learn how to use smart and meeting applications like Google meet, Zoom, Go To Meet app etc. Maintaining students’ concentration levels and getting them to participate in classes was a major challenge.

Any suggestions/messages that you would like to give to the current youth?

I encourage the current youth to prioritise knowledge over merely collecting degrees. Education is not just about certificates; it's about acquiring the skills, wisdom, and critical thinking abilities that will serve you throughout your life. Seek to understand and apply what you learn, rather than simply pursuing one degree after another. Knowledge is the key to personal and societal growth. View education as a tool for empowerment. Don't limit your educational pursuits to the classroom; aim to translate your learning into tangible actions and positive change. Think about how the knowledge and skills you gain can be used to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Education is not just about personal gain; it's a means to uplift yourself and your community. Strive to earn respect and create your own unique identity. Respect is earned through your actions, integrity, and the positive impact you have on those around you. Don't try to conform to someone else's idea of success or identity. Be true to yourself, follow your passions, and let your unique qualities shine. Your identity should be a reflection of your values, dreams, and the positive contributions you make to the world.