Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay, Ranchi, Principal : Dr. Shyam Pandey Interview

Dr. Shyam Pandey has a strong academic background, with a master's degree in Industrial Metallurgy from IIT Roorkee and a Ph.D. in internal combustion engines. He has accumulated 20 years of experience in academia, holding various positions that have honed his skills and expanded his responsibilities. He has successfully managed teams and facilitated the growth of faculty members and students. Dr. Pandey has also actively engaged in research, publishing over 35 research papers in well-reputed journals. He holds more than 13 patents to his name, focusing on areas such as fuel injection mechanisms, safety systems, and automotive components. Dr. Pandey is confident that his expertise and passion will enable him to lead Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay toward excellence in education and innovation.

Check: Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay Courses & Fees

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?And How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Ans:Dr. Shyam Pandey: "At present, we offer a wide range of programs at Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay that cater to various fields of study. We have degree programs in the arts, commerce, and sciences. In the arts stream, students can choose subjects like History, Political Science, Hindi, English, and Economics. For commerce enthusiasts, we offer both BCOM and MCOM courses. In the science stream, we provide opportunities to study subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. These degree programs are recognized by Ranchi University.

"In addition to the traditional degree programs, we also run a Center for Vocational Studies, where we offer three specialized programs. These include the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc IT). These programs allow students to develop practical skills and knowledge in the field of their interest."

"To ensure that our students stand apart from the crowd and are well-prepared for the future, we go beyond the regular curriculum. We provide several platforms and initiatives that help students hone their skills and gain additional knowledge. One of these initiatives is the organization of certification programs. We invite experts from different parts of the country, and sometimes even from abroad, to conduct master classes for our students. These classes help students to deepen their understanding and expertise in their chosen domains."

In addition to academic endeavors, we have an active career cell that works towards establishing connections with various companies. We facilitate the visits of these companies to our campus, where they offer certification programs ranging from a few days to several months. By participating in these programs, our students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain practical experience, making them better equipped for their future careers.

To give you an example, we recently concluded a training program in collaboration with Jharkhand Tool Room. This program focused on providing hands-on training on Tally software, and it was attended by more than 50 commerce and BBA students. This real-time training experience enhances their employability by providing them with practical skills that are highly sought after in the industry.

In summary, our programs at Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay offer a comprehensive and unique learning experience. Through a combination of degree programs, certification initiatives, expert master classes, and practical training opportunities, we ensure that our students are not only well-versed in their academic subjects but also equipped with practical skills that make them stand out in the competitive job market. We strive to provide a holistic education that prepares our students for a successful future in their chosen fields.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program? And, what are extracurricular activities/ programs offered to the students to expose them to the real world challenges?

Ans. At Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay, we believe in providing our students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond the traditional curriculum. We align our programs with the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasises the importance of life skills and holistic development. Through various initiatives and extracurricular activities, we orient our students to real-world challenges and help them develop essential skills.

One of the ways we engage our students in impactful projects is through our NSS (National Service Scheme) wing. Our NSS wing provides opportunities for our students to serve the economically disadvantaged communities in the vicinity. By participating in these initiatives, our students learn about empathy, social responsibility, and the importance of contributing to society. These experiences go beyond technical or domain-specific knowledge and focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Additionally, our NCC (National Cadet Corps) Captain, L.K. Jha, plays a significant role in exposing our students to different aspects of life. The NCC program helps students develop discipline, learn about the conduct expected of a gentleman, and gain knowledge about the armed forces. Our NCC boys have even had the opportunity to visit Odisha to explore its archaeological sites, providing them with a deeper understanding of Indian culture and heritage.

I'm proud to share that seven of our students have been selected through a government recruitment drive, highlighting their capabilities and potential. Furthermore, three of our students are currently undergoing training in mountaineering engineering in Uttarakhand, participating in certification programs that broaden their horizons and develop their skills in unique domains.

These examples demonstrate that our students are not only engaged in projects but are also actively involved in various events, experiences, and programs that contribute to their personal and professional growth. By providing them with diverse opportunities, we ensure that they are well-prepared to face real-world challenges and make a positive impact in their chosen fields.

Our commitment to holistic education extends beyond the classroom, enabling our students to explore their interests, develop essential life skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. We believe that these experiences will equip our students to tackle future challenges confidently and excel in their chosen endeavours.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which helped them to gain skills?

At Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay, we believe in providing our students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge imparted in the classroom. We have implemented several best practices to equip our students with the relevant skills to excel in their chosen fields.

One of the notable best practices we offer is the provision of certification courses in martial arts. By completing these courses, our students develop self-defense skills, enhancing their safety and confidence. This not only empowers them to protect themselves but also instills a sense of discipline and physical well-being.

In addition to martial arts, we also offer various certification courses in collaboration with our partners. For example, we recently concluded a course on Tally software, a widely used accounting and financial management tool. This course equips our students with practical skills in a specific software application, enhancing their employability in fields related to finance and accounting.

Furthermore, we offer certification courses in office executive operations and field surveys. These courses provide our students with hands-on training and practical knowledge, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. By participating in these courses, students gain valuable skills which are directly applicable to real-world scenarios and workplace requirements.

These best practices align with our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for success in both their personal and professional lives. By equipping them with practical skills through certification courses, we empower our students to stand out in the competitive job market and excel in their chosen careers.

We continuously evaluate and update our best practices to ensure that students receive the most relevant and industry-aligned skills. We aim to provide them with a comprehensive learning experience that not only imparts academic knowledge but also fosters industry-relevant practical skills.

I'm proud of the best practices we have implemented, as they have proven to be effective in helping our students gain the necessary skills for their future endeavors.

How does the college enhance the skill of faculties? And how do you tend to establish a healthy relationship with the students and faculties?

In this college, we recognize the importance of faculty development to ensure our educators stay updated with the latest knowledge and teaching methodologies. We have implemented various measures to enhance the skills of our faculty and establish a healthy relationship with our students and faculty.

One of the key initiatives we undertake is the Faculty Development Program. Through this program, we provide opportunities for our faculties to attend training sessions and workshops conducted by reputed institutions and organisations. For instance, last year, we organised a training program in collaboration with the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) in Bhopal. The focus of the program was on implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and incorporating outcome-based education. Such interventions enable our faculties to enhance their skills and stay abreast of the evolving educational landscape.

We believe that establishing a healthy relationship between students and faculty is vital for a conducive learning environment. To foster this relationship, we encourage open communication and create platforms for interaction. Regular faculty-student interactions, such as mentoring sessions and open forums, provide opportunities for students to engage with their faculties on both academic and personal matters. This approach not only promotes a supportive learning environment but also allows students to seek guidance and support from their faculties.

Furthermore, we promote a collaborative and inclusive culture within our institution. We encourage faculties to involve students in research projects, seminars, and workshops, thereby providing them with hands-on experience and exposure to the latest developments in their respective fields. This collaborative approach strengthens the bond between faculties and students and creates a sense of shared learning and growth.

Overall, our emphasis on faculty development and fostering healthy relationships with students and faculty is aimed at creating a dynamic learning environment. We believe that when faculties are equipped with the necessary skills and maintain a strong rapport with students, it leads to an enriched educational experience and contributes to the overall success of our institution.

What do you see as the greatest strength of this college?

As the principal of Yogada Satsang Mahavidyalay, I see the greatest strength of this college in its unique blend of education and spirituality. Having worked in various organizations, including my previous role at the University of Petroleum, I can confidently say that our college stands out due to its distinctive approach.

While many institutions focus solely on academic education, we emphasize the integration of spirituality and holistic development. This is not something that we explicitly teach within the classrooms, but rather, it is reflected in the conduct and values upheld by our faculty and management. We prioritize professional ethics and instill in our faculty members the importance of leading by example.

To further support the spiritual growth of our students and faculty, we have established the Shri Paramahansa Yogananda meditation center and yoga center on our campus. Students have the opportunity to practice meditation and yoga, enabling them to nurture their higher selves and find inner peace. The presence of a dedicated yoga teacher enhances the quality of our yoga programs, providing students with a more immersive and enriching experience.

This unique blend of education and spirituality sets us apart from other institutions. Our aim is not merely to provide a bookish education but to foster the holistic development of our students—body, mind, and soul. We believe that by nurturing the spiritual aspect of our student's lives alongside their academic pursuits, we are preparing them to lead meaningful and purposeful lives.

The emphasis on spirituality and holistic development is our college's unique selling proposition (USP). It differentiates us and creates an environment where students can grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. We believe that this integrated approach contributes to the overall success and well-being of our students, enabling them to face life's challenges with resilience and inner strength.

Any suggestion would you like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

My suggestion to the current youth and aspiring students would be to consider the importance of holistic development alongside technological advancements. While we are embracing technological advancements such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced automotive technologies like flying cars and drones, it is equally crucial to focus on human development.

In today's digital age, social media can sometimes be counterproductive if not used properly. Therefore, my suggestion to the youth is to strive for a balanced life. It is important to invest a significant amount of time in their personal development, beyond just academic studies or cutting-edge technology.

I encourage the youth to embrace a holistic approach to life. It means dedicating time to study and acquire knowledge, and engaging in physical activities, pursuing their passions, and working on their personal growth. The new National Education Policy (NEP) also emphasizes the significance of body, mind, and soul development. It is a recognition that true fulfillment comes from nurturing all aspects of our being.

I also want to highlight the wealth of knowledge available through our ancient scriptures and teachings. The Yogada Satsang Society, in particular, is instrumental in providing access to this knowledge free of cost. I urge the youth to meditate and embrace the wisdom of our ancient traditions. By doing so, they can lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives, rather than getting caught up in a mechanical existence.

So, my message to the current youth and aspiring students is to study diligently but make time for personal growth, self-reflection, and spiritual development. By balancing technological progress and holistic development, they can lead more meaningful lives and positively impact the world.