S.Srinivasa Rao is a Professor of Sociology and Education and Dean at Indira Mahindra School of Education, Mahindra University, Hyderabad. He has acquired his Ph.D. in Sociology of Education from Zakir Husain Centre for Educational Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He has been a Professor and former Chairperson of the Zakir Husain Centre for Educational Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, from where he is currently on Extraordinary Leave (EoL). Professor Rao has served as the elected President (2019-20), Vice-President (2017-18) and General Secretary (2010-12) of the Comparative Education Society of India (CESI), which is a professional body of education researchers in India. He played a critical role in re-energizing and activating an inactive CESI in these various capacities. He was also associated as managing editor with Contemporary Education Dialogue, a Sage journal of educational studies, during 2015-19.

Mahindra University

You held key positions at various prestigious institutions throughout your career. What excited you to join and walk with Mahindra University on the journey?

I am deeply honored and excited to have joined the prestigious Mahindra University, Hyderabad, as Dean of the Indira Mahindra School of Education. This opportunity represents the culmination of a lifelong journey in academia and a natural progression in my commitment to advancing the field of education and social diversity. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of holding key positions at various esteemed institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. However, my decision to embark on a new chapter at Mahindra University was motivated by several compelling factors.

Mahindra University’s commitment to excellence in education and its vision for holistic development deeply resonated with my own educational philosophy. The university’S emphasis on innovation, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with my own values as an educator and academic leader. I saw in Mahindra University a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of education in India and beyond. The university’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment aligns seamlessly with my research interests centered around social diversity, equity, and justice. Furthermore, the diverse and dynamic community of students, faculty, and staff at Mahindra University is truly inspiring. It fosters an environment where creativity thrives, ideas are exchanged, and learning becomes a lifelong journey. Being a part of this vibrant educational ecosystem, where individuals from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow, has been a source of immense motivation. I firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for transforming society and addressing pressing global challenges. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, the collaborations that will unfold, and the meaningful contributions we can make to education and society.

How do you balance the needs of faculty, students, and administration as a dean of P.hd program?

As the Dean of the Ph.D. program at Mahindra, I am entrusted with the task of balancing the diverse needs and interests of faculty, students, and administration. I firmly believe that an institution’s faculty serves as its intellectual backbone. Hence, I prioritize facilitating an environment where our esteemed professors can engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with peers, and mentor the next generation of scholars. Simultaneously, nurturing the student community is a core responsibility. Our students are the lifeblood of the Ph.D. program, and their growth and development are central to our mission. I advocate for a holistic approach to education, ensuring that our students not only receive high-quality academic guidance but also have access to opportunities for personal and professional development. One of the fundamental pillars of our strategy is open and transparent communication. We encourage regular dialogues among faculty, students, and administration to ensure that everyone’s perspectives and concerns are heard and addressed appropriately. This open communication fosters a sense of community and allows us to respond swiftly to emerging issues. Balancing the budgetary needs of faculty, students, and administration is a priority. We allocate resources judiciously to support research initiatives, student scholarships, administrative functions, and infrastructure development. 

Furthermore, I maintain an open channel of communication with the administrative team. Collaborative decision-making is essential to the smooth functioning of any academic institution. By fostering an environment of academic excellence, I aim to contribute positively to the growth and reputation of our institution.

As a Dean of - P.hd programs, what is the USP or what are the differentiating factors that make Mahindra University stand out from other institutions offering Ph.d programs?

Mahindra University’s standing as a premier institution for doctoral research is rooted in several key aspects that set us apart. One of the most distinguishing aspects of our Ph.D. programs is our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research. We encourage students to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, enabling them to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives. This approach promotes innovation and equips our graduates with a broader skillset to address contemporary challenges. We have a strong culture of research publication, with several faculty members publishing in esteemed journals and edited volumes. My own contributions to the field of educational studies, including co-editing a book and publishing a significant monograph, reflect the caliber of research undertaken at Mahindra University. Mentoring is at the heart of our academic mission. I am personally committed to mentoring Ph.D. students, and we have a remarkable track record in this regard.

Mahindra University fosters international collaborations, providing students with opportunities for exposure to global perspectives. These partnerships, exemplified by my international fellowships and visiting scholar roles at prestigious institutions worldwide, offer students a rich cross-cultural learning experience. Our campus boasts modern, well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and research centers that provide an ideal environment for advanced research. We continually invest in infrastructure and technology to ensure that our students have access to the latest tools and resources. Beyond academic pursuits, Mahindra University values the practical application of knowledge. We are not just an academic institution but also actively contribute to the development sector. In conclusion, Mahindra University stands out as a beacon of academic excellence, research vigor, and social responsibility. Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars, combined with our diverse research interests, international collaborations, and industry engagement, makes us a leader in Ph.D. education.

We emphasize a global perspective in our Ph.D. programs. Our diverse faculty and student body bring together a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, creating a global learning environment that prepares graduates to excel on the international stage.

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How do the team/faculty of Ph.d program stay current with the latest trends and developments in the respective fields and incorporate them into the curriculum and programs offered by the institution?

Our faculty members are encouraged to engage in continuous learning. They attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars in their respective fields to keep abreast of the latest research findings and trends. We actively engage in ongoing research and scholarly activities. My diverse research interests encompass crucial topics such as social diversity, equity, justice, education policy, and educational organizations. Through this research, we continually explores new perspectives and insights that can be incorporated into the curriculum. This commitment to inquiry not only enhances my own knowledge but also trickles down to benefit the entire faculty and, consequently, the students.

Furthermore, as a mentor, my role is to foster an environment of academic growth. Having supervised numerous M.Phil and Ph.D. students, I try to provide them with the guidance and support necessary to delve into contemporary issues. As these students explore emerging concerns within the field, their findings naturally feed into the curriculum, ensuring that it remains up-to-date and relevant. My visiting fellowships and scholarships at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the University of Toronto and McGill University, expose students to global educational perspectives. These experiences enable them to bring international best practices and innovative ideas back to the institution, enriching the academic programs. We encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among our faculty members and students. This fosters a dynamic learning environment where ideas and perspectives from different fields can intersect, leading to innovative solutions. We provide our faculty with access to state-of-the-art technology and resources, including digital libraries and research databases, to facilitate their research and keep them updated. 

In conclusion, my approach to education, which includes research, mentorship, international exposure, advisory roles, and administrative involvement, ensures that the Ph.D. program at Mahindra University remains a dynamic and forward-thinking institution.

What is something an aspirant who’s looking to complete a Ph.D. can expect from Mahindra University?

As an aspirant seeking to embark on the journey of completing a Ph.D. at Mahindra University, you can expect a rich and intellectually stimulating academic environment under the guidance of distinguished scholars with extensive experience and expertise in the field of Sociology and Education. At Mahindra University, you will benefit from the professor's profound insights into issues of social diversity, equity, and justice, which are central to his teaching and research interests. Furthermore, international recognition, including fellowships and visiting scholar positions at prestigious institutions underscores a global perspective and collaborative approach to research. This international exposure can greatly enrich your academic experience and broaden your research horizons. Mahindra University encourages interdisciplinary research, allowing Ph.D. candidates to explore topics that transcend traditional academic boundaries. This approach fosters innovation and broadens the horizons of research. We provide access to cutting-edge research facilities, libraries, laboratories, and digital resources to support your research endeavors. We also offer aspiring Ph.D. candidates an unparalleled opportunity to engage in rigorous research, benefit from a diverse and intellectually vibrant academic community, and receive personalized mentorship from a distinguished scholar with a profound commitment to education and social justice.

Your journey towards completing a Ph.D. at Mahindra University promises to be an intellectually rewarding and transformative experience.

What are the biggest challenges of being in a Dean of Ph.d programs role and how do you handle them?

The role of a Dean in charge of Ph.D. programs brings with it a unique set of challenges, but it also offers immense opportunities for academic growth and innovation. One of the foremost challenges, I encounter in my role is the constant need to balance administrative responsibilities with academic pursuits. To handle this challenge, I have adopted a structured approach that involves effective time management and delegation of administrative tasks to capable faculty members and staff. Another significant challenge in this role is fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity within the academic community. Promoting diversity among Ph.D. students and faculty is essential for the holistic development of our programs and for addressing societal needs. To address this challenge, I have actively worked on implementing policies and initiatives that encourage underrepresented groups to participate in our Ph.D. programs. This includes scholarship opportunities, mentorship programs, and outreach efforts to attract a diverse pool of applicants. Furthermore, financial sustainability is a constant concern in overseeing Ph.D. programs. Securing funding for research projects, scholarships, and program development can be challenging. To address this, I have been proactive in seeking external funding through grant applications and partnerships with industry and government organizations.

Additionally, I have promoted entrepreneurship and innovation among Ph.D. students, encouraging them to seek research opportunities that have real-world applications, which can attract external funding and support. The field of education and research is continually evolving, with new technologies, methodologies, and pedagogical approaches emerging. Staying updated and ensuring our programs remain relevant is a continuous challenge. Embracing flexibility and innovation allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging trends effectively.

What measures would you take to ensure that Mahindra University provides a conducive learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure?

Ensuring that Mahindra University provides a conducive learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure are of paramount importance to us at the Indira Mahindra School of Education. As Dean of the school, I am deeply committed to achieving this goal through a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, we recognize the significance of fostering a vibrant academic community. We promote an environment that encourages innovative teaching methods, research endeavors, and continuous professional development. In terms of infrastructure, our vision is to create an environment that inspires learning and collaboration. We would work diligently to expand and upgrade our physical infrastructure, ensuring that our classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and recreational spaces are state-of-the-art. To ensure the holistic development of our students, we will establish support services that cater to their well-being. This includes counseling services, career guidance, and extracurricular activities that promote physical fitness, creativity, and community engagement. Transparency and accountability will be our guiding principles. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms will be in place to evaluate the effectiveness of our measures and to make necessary improvements. We are committed to investing in the best faculty, cutting-edge infrastructure, and support services that will make Mahindra University a hub for excellence in education. 

We encourage a culture of innovation and research among our students and faculty. We have established dedicated research centers and innovation hubs where students can collaborate on projects, conduct experiments, and engage in cutting-edge research. A conducive learning environment is not solely dependent on infrastructure but also on the quality of teaching. We take pride in our highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are passionate about teaching and nurturing the potential of our students. To ensure that our students are prepared for the real world, we foster strong partnerships with industries and organizations. These collaborations provide our students with opportunities for internships, research projects, and exposure to real-world challenges. Together with the support of our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders, we will ensure that Mahindra University provides a conducive learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.