Dr. Jogendra Pathak is the HOD (Rural Management) at Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies (XIDAS) Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He has done his Ph.D. in Rural Development from RDVV, Jabalpur. He holds a Diploma in Health Promotion from NIHFW, New Delhi, and a Bachelor's Degree in Law. He joined XIDAS in 2006. He handles subjects such as Rural Entrepreneurship, Social Marketing, NGO Management, NRM R & R, Rural Legal Environment, and Business Law. He has several research articles to his credit which are published in renowned journals. He has 11 years of research experience in the field of Resettlement and Rehabilitation. He is a member of the Indian Sociological Society and the Indian Society of Labor Economics. He has several national and international publications to his credit.

Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies

Being the faculty of the department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students? 

As the faculty of the department, my roles and responsibilities towards students are multifaceted and crucial to their academic and personal development. Apart from teaching, I delve into curriculum development of the course, mentoring the students; and research, training, and consultancy activity of the institute. Research, training, and consultancy activity gives an edge for extra learning as students are also given a chance to be part of the professional assignments. I also believe in providing a good learning environment to the students and developing critical thinking among them. The students are encouraged to develop skills at par with the industry requirements for a suitable placement.

What valuable advice would you give to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead? 

The students are encouraged to develop skills at par with the industry requirements for a suitable placement. My foremost advice to the students taking admission in PGDM and PGDM-RM courses of XIDAS is to have a prosperous career ahead by setting clear goals, developing soft skills, embracing challenges, being resilient and learning from their experiences, being ethical, having a proper work-life balance and to be adaptable.

What do you see as the department/ college’s greatest strengths and how can it be enhanced?

The best practice of the department is ‘Hands-on Culture’. The students are encouraged to learn in the classroom and apply the learning in the field. Apart from teaching the students, the department also takes up various consultancy assignments for the corporation wherein the students are involved in different categories of work as required to give them practical exposure to work in the field. From an enhancement perspective, the department needs to understand the current requirements of the students and industry and shall develop a course curriculum as required by the stakeholders.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from the curriculum to train/teach the students?

The intervention and approaches that are being adopted by the department from the curriculum to train/teach the students are experimental learning, guest lectures and speakers from various NGOs, case study method, group projects, mentoring the students, organizing workshops and seminars, field trip and visit to different NGOs, to have practical exposure and participating in the live research assignments that are part of the Institute’s consultancy assignments for various client organization.

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How does the department enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

The department is dedicated to enhancing the skills and professional development of its faculty members to align with industry standards. Faculty members of the department are encouraged and supported to engage in research activities and they are also being facilitated for the publication of research papers in reputed journals. 

To ensure that faculty members stay current with industry trends and educational methodologies, the department promotes their participation in workshops, seminars, and conferences. This exposure allows faculty to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and bring valuable insights back to the classroom. The faculty members are actively encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities. This includes attending training sessions, enrolling in courses, and obtaining certifications that enhance their teaching and research capabilities.

How does the curriculum of your department ensure the best practice in the industry?

The department remains in regular consultations with its alumni who are professionals, practitioners, and experts in various Industries. This helps us understand the current challenges, trends, and best practices in rural management. It also facilitates internships and field projects for the students in collaboration with industry partners. Practical exposure allows students to gain hands-on experience, apply classroom knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of industry operations. The department has also established partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies involved in rural development.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

Various challenges are being faced by the department, which is a hindrance, when we talk about uplifting the quality of education of the department. The physical distance of villages from the institute poses a challenge in ensuring direct and regular engagement with rural communities. Sometimes, Guest speakers are not willing to travel to the institute due to the remote location or time constraints. Building a cohesive and supportive learning community is challenging when students are physically dispersed.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

The Rural Management department considers enhancing students’ skills and exposing them to real-world challenges. These activities contribute to holistic development and practical application of theoretical knowledge. Some of the extracurricular activities undertaken by the department are the Rural Immersion Program, Summer Internship Program, Dissertation writing, working on live projects, Simulation exercises, and participation in competitions.

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How do you help your student cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

The department takes care that rural management students cope with high competition in the outside world. It involves a combination of academic preparation, skill development, and support services.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

Strategizing and updating the curriculum regularly are crucial aspects for ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of students and aligning with industry trends. The curriculum is annually updated with the support of Alumni and Academic Planning Meetings held each year in the Institute before the start of a new session. A comprehensive review of the existing curriculum on an annual basis is done and the effectiveness of courses, learning objectives, and assessment methods are being evaluated. Feedback from faculty, students, and industry professionals is sought throughout the academic year and the areas that need improvement are identified. Regularly industry trends and changes are monitored to stay informed about new developments, technologies, and best practices in rural management through industry publications, conferences, and networking with professionals.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty? 

In establishing a healthy relationship with the students and fellow faculty, I maintain clear communication, genuine interest, and a commitment to mutual growth, fostering a positive academic atmosphere.